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A high-ranking member of the Democratic congressional conference who previously had reservations about the idea of impeaching President Donald Trump has changed his mind, describing impeachment as imperative should Democrats win control of one or both houses in the midterm elections.

Rep. Adam Smith (D-Washington) declined to commit to the idea of impeachment back in May, telling Time magazine that he felt doing so would only embolden the president. But last week, he appeared to be supportive of the action.

“Trump has become beyond dangerous. He is just completely out of control in what he says and how he is governing,” Smith told reporters, adding, “I think we have to try [to impeach], even if it doesn’t succeed.”

Smith cited Trump’s recent embrace of Vladimir Putin over Ukraine, calling it a “big part” of what pushed him to back impeachment. Trump’s “unhinged speeches” also played a role in his reexamination of the issue, he said.

Smith’s endorsement makes him one of the highest-ranking Democrats in the House to back impeachment, as he is the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee.

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Within that role, Smith could play a leading part in the impeachment process, especially if Democrats — who are poised to........

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