Amidst the backdrop of a still smoldering Baltimore (okay…maybe not), former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley announced his candidacy for president today.
O’Malley said that “his brand of liberal politics is what the Democratic Party and the country need now.” (WSJ)
O’Malley, who served in Baltimore elected office from 1991-2007 (with two terms as Mayor) and is a two-term governor of Maryland, played Democratic foil to then-Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell as chairman of the Democratic Governors Association from 2011-2013 (McDonnell was the Republican association’s chairman), during the height of our last presidential election.
While crime, poverty, racial discord, and the Orioles all still plague Baltimore from his nearly two decades of service there, the interesting question is how this plays across the Potomac?
I’m sure Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, and Clinton acolyte, is thrilled that another Mid-Atlantic liberal has thrown his hat into the ring. One doubts there will be joint appearances by the two governors at any upcoming Democratic rallies in the commonwealth. Nor are we likely to see Virginia’s favorite son, former U.S. Sen. Jim Webb, with McAuliffe anytime soon. But Hillary will be here June 26 at George Mason.
Addendum: I almost forgot our VPs in waiting: Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. I’m sure they’re thrilled with O’Malley running to Hillary’s left and positioning himself as her #2.
