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In the last 37 years, there have only been two Senate vacancies in the solidly blue state of Maryland.
So when Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) announced his retirement earlier this month, he instantly set off a scramble among ambitious Democrats.
The race was always going to be a blockbuster, considering a safe Senate seat is one of the ultimate prizes in politics. But the cast of characters who have entered the race, or are considering a run, could make Maryland an unlikely center of drama in the 2024 Senate battle royale.