From the vault: Martin O’Malley’s quest for the White House
Martin O’Malley, the former Maryland governor who had always acknowledged his campaign for president would be a long shot, ended the effort late Monday night after a disappointing finish in the first-in-the-nation Iowa caucuses.
- Democratic presidential candidate Martin O’Malley tells a small gathering of supporters that he will suspend his presidential campaign February 1, 2016 in Des Moines, Iowa. O’Malley finished with about one percent of the vote behind former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT). (Steve Pope/Getty Images)
- Democratic presidential candidate Martin O’Malley tells a small gathering of supporters that he will suspend his presidential campaign February 1, 2016 in Des Moines, Iowa. O’Malley finished with about one percent of the vote behind former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT). (Steve Pope/Getty Images)
- Democratic presidential candidate, former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, speaks during a campaign stop Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, in Waterloo, Iowa. (Matthew Putney/The Courier via AP)
- Democratic Presidential Candidate Martin O’Malley speaks the media at a “get out the vote” event, at a private residence on January 31, 2016 in Johnston, Iowa. O’Malley and other candidates are making their final appeals to voters ahead of the Iowa caucus February 1. (Steve Pope/Getty Images)
- Democratic presidential candidate, former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley , left, Democratic presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton and Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt, stand together before the start of the NBC, YouTube Democratic presidential debate at the Gaillard Center, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charleston, S.C. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
- Democratic presidential candidate, former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley takes a selfie during a break at the NBC, YouTube Democratic presidential debate at the Gaillard Center, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charleston, S.C. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
- Martin OMalley speaks in the spin room after a Democratic presidential primary debate Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015, at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, N.H. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
- FILE – In this Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 file photo, Democratic presidential candidates, from left, Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton and Martin O’Malley take the stage before a Democratic presidential primary debate in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
- Democratic presidential candidate Martin O’Malley takes part in a presidential debate sponsored by CNN and Facebook at Wynn Las Vegas on October 13, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Five Democratic presidential candidates are participating in the party’s first presidential debate. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
- Democratic presidential candidate and former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley talks on stage during the New Hampshire Democratic Party State Convention on September 19, 2015 in Manchester, New Hampshire. Five Democratic presidential candidates are all expected to address the crowd inside the Verizon Wireless Arena. (Scott Eisen/Getty Images)
- Henry Brownson, left, and his one-year-old Sophia introduces himself to Democratic presidential candidate, former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, during a campaign stop Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, in Waterloo, Iowa. (Matthew Putney/The Courier via AP)
- Former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, left, takes a selfie with Harrison Adamec, 5, and his dad Shaun, of Framingham, Mass., during a campaign stop at Goldenrod Drive-in Restaurant, Sunday, May 31, 2015, in Manchester, N.H. O’Malley entered the Democratic presidential race on Saturday in a longshot challenge to Hillary Rodham Clinton for the 2016 nomination, casting himself as a new generation leader who would rebuild the economy and reform Wall Street. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm)
- Democratic presidential candidate former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley waits to speak to supporters at his campaign headquarters, Saturday, May 30, 2015, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
- Former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley speaks during an event to announce that he is entering the Democratic presidential race, on Saturday, May 30, 2015, in Baltimore. O’Malley joined the Democratic presidential race with a longshot challenge to Hillary Rodham Clinton for the 2016 nomination. “I’m running for you,” he told a crowd of about 1,000 people at Federal Hill Park in Baltimore, where he served as mayor before two terms as governor. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
- US President Barack Obama speaks at a rally at Bowie State University in Bowie, Maryland on October 7, 2010, for incumbent Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley (R). AFP PHOTO/Jim WATSON (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)
- FILE – In this May 9, 2007 file photo, then-Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley endorses Democratic New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s campaign for the 2008 presidency at City Dock in Annapolis, Md. More than a decade ago, Bill Clinton spotted a political star on the horizon, someone he predicted would go from a big-city mayor to a national leader _ maybe even to the White House. In the years that followed, Clinton and his wife, New York Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, showed up time and again as their young ally rose up the political ranks, hosting fundraisers, headlining rallies, and connecting him with their sprawling network of political donors. (AP Photo/Kathleen Lange, File)
- FILE – In this April 9, 2015 file photo, former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley greets local residents before speaking at a fundraiser in Indianola, Iowa. O’Malley has spent months investing in Iowa, aiming to repeat the trick pulled by Barack Obama in 2008, when the then-underdog upstart challenger to favorite Hillary Rodham Clinton won the state’s caucuses and began his march to the Democratic presidential nomination. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
- Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley celebrates after giving victory speech at the American Visionary Arts Museum in Baltimore after defeating Republican challenger Robert Ehrlich Jr., to win re-election for another term in office. (Kenneth K. Lam, Baltimore Sun)
- Mayor Martin O’Malley buttons his shirtsleeves as he puts on his jacket before a media event about the campaign for governor the day after Montgomery County Executive Douglas Duncan withdrew from the race. O’Malley is on a street corner in Hampden. (Kim Hairston, Baltimore Sun)
- Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake, left, and Governor Martin O’Malley, center, listen to Baltimore cIty planner Eric Holcomb, right, talk about Old Town Mall. A press conference was held in the 400 block of Old Town Mall to announce state funds that would be awarded for this dormant shopping district and other projects around the state. The state Department of Housing and Community Development’s “Strategic Demolition and Smart Growth Impact Fund” will invest $5 million in 13 revitalization projects, including $2.15 million for five projects in Baltimore City. Amy Davis Baltimore Sun Staff Photographer
- Gov. Martin O’Malley speaks at a death penalty repeal press conference at the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. Photo by Algerina Perna
- Left to right, Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr., Senate President, smiles as Gov. Martin O’Malley and Michael E. Busch, House Speaker, sign SB 278 and HB 227 Maryland Employment Advancement Right Now (EARN) Program into law in the Governor’s reception room. Kim Hairston/Baltimore Sun Staff
- Governor Martin O’Malley dressed up for defender’s day. Horses name in Butch. You recall from time to time, OíMalley used to ride with the mounted unit in the City.
- Mayor Martin O’Malley addresses the audience at the Fleet Center for the 2004 democratic National Convention. Monica Lopossay, Baltimore Sun
- Mayor Martin O’Malley tries to answer question from reporters after the press conference dealing with the 2004 budget. During a press conference at the Lowes Annapolis Hotel, Mayor Martin O’Malley spoke along with the other Maryland Mayors on Governor Ehrlich’s 2004 budget. Monica Lopossay, Baltimore Sun
- Baltimore City State’s Attorney, Patricia C. Jessamy and Mayor Martin O’Malley testify about the early disposition program before the Public Safety, Transportation and Environment Subcommittee of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee. Lloyd Fox, Baltimore Sun
- Mayor Martin O’Malley ‘s Inauguration in War Memorial Plaza. Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun
- Frank M. Conaway, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Baltimore, left, witnesses newly sworn in mayor Martin O’Malley’s signature in the city record as Kweisi Mfume, center back, and O’Malley’s wife Katie and daughters Grace, 8, left, and Tara,7, look on. Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun
- Baltimore City mayoral candidates David F. Tufaro, left, a Republican, greets his Democrat opponent Martin O’Malley, right, before the start of Kwesi Mufume’s show, A Bottom Line, being taped at WBAL TV. Kenneth K. Lam/staff
- Mayoral candidate Martin O’Malley (L) relaxes between segments of the debate between himself and David F. Tufaro (R) on Wednesday evening at the Enoch Pratt Free Library. WJHU radio talk show host Marc Steiner (center) moderated the debate. Staff photo/Doug Kapustin
- Mayor’s First Month– Mayor Martin O’Malley takes a phone call in the student center before leaving a breakfast at the Annual Mayor’s Basketball Academy at Coppin State College. Jed Kirschbaum, Staff
- Baltimore Mayor Martin O’Malley, second from right, takes fellow Mayors from the US Conference of Mayors on a tour of a Pimlico area neighborhood. Left to right in front: Donald Plusquellic, Mayor of Akron OH; H. Brent Coles, Mayor of Boise ID; Mayor Martin O’Malley; Marc Morial, Mayor of New Orleans. Barbara Haddock Taylor, Staff
- Mayor Martin O’Malley performs with his band O’Malley’s March at his annual St. Patrick’s Day fund-raiser at Hammerjacks. Many are questioning whether he is raising funds for a re-election bid or a run at governor. Elizabeth Malby, Staff
- Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, center, and Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, left, talk with reporters after facing off with gubernatorial candidate Robert Ehrlich in the last debate before their election, October, 14, 2010 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Bill O’Leary/The Washington Post)
- Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, center, celebrates with Josh Levin after the passage of Question 6 for same-sex marriage, at The Sound Stage on election night. Photo by: Kenneth K. Lam/The Baltimore Sun
- Gov. Martin O’Malley, T. Eloise Foster, budget secretary, and Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown present the FY 2008 budget for the State of Maryland in the Governor’s Reception Room. Kim Hairston, Baltimore Sun
- New mayor Sheila Dixon is thinking about a new slogan for the city. One of the slogans under former Mayor Martin O’Malley was “Believe.” Algerina Perna, Baltimore Sun
- Governor – elect Martin O’Malley, Lieutenant Governor – elect Anthony Brown (R), Katie O’Malley and their son William appear before the media and city hall workers Wednesday afternoon in Baltimore. (Doug Kapustin Baltimore Sun Staff)
- Gov. O’Malley, Mayor Dixon, and Kweisi Mfume greet supporters.ÖMayor Sheila Dixon holds a rally at War Memorial Plaza to announce endorsements by Gov. Martin O’Malley and Former NAACP Chair Kweisi Mfume. Andre F. Chung, Staff
- Candidate for mayor Martin O’Malley in his office fundraising. Photo by Jed Kirschbaum/Staff.
- Mayor Martin O’Malley visits Jeffrey Ohmer’s first grade class Wednesday afternoon at Cherry Hill Elementary School. Jed Kirschbaum, Staff
- Mayor Martin O’Malley holds a press conference to talk about his accomplishments during the first two years of his term. Andre F. Chung, Staff
- Candidate for mayor, Martin O’Malley in his office fundraising. Jed Kirschbaum, Staff
- City Councilman Martin O’Malley fronts an Irish Roack Band in addition to his civic duties. At Mick O’Sheas on Charles St. his band, O’Malley’s March, strut their stuff. Photo by Andre F. Chung/Staff.
- Mayor elect of Baltimore, Martin O’Malley gets a hug from his wife, Katie after his (O’Malley’s) acceptance address at The Columbus Center. O’Malley won in a landslide over Davis Tufaro. Gene Sweeny Jr., staff
- Mayor Martin O’Malley during interview in 2000. Jed Kirschbaum, staff
- Mayor Martin O’Malley smiles after being congratulated by Washington, D.C. Mayor, Anthony Williams. The Washington/ Baltimore area has made the short list of finalists for the 2012 Olympic games. They are one of four cities trying to get the bid. Lloyd Fox, Staff
- Mayor Martin O’Malley meets with reporters and editors in the Baltimore Sun newsroom to discuss the city school system’s budget problems and his discussions with Governor Ehrlich. (Doug Kapustin, Staff)
- Baltimore’s Mayor Martin O’Malley talks with a constituent in 2002 during an hour long ask the mayor segment which will air every other Tuesday on WBAL Radio. Jed Kirschbaum, staff
- State Stat meeting between Governor Martin O’Malley and some of his advisors in 2007. Starting from right side: Eloise Foster, Secretary of Budget and Management; Matthew Gallager, Deputy Chief of Staff, Governor Martin O’Malley, Michael Enright, Chief of Staff, Ralph Tyler. Barbara Haddock Taylor, staff
- Governor Martin O’Malley holds ceremonial key given to him at press conference for closing of the 130 year old House of Corrections in 2007. In background, on left, is acting commissioner of the Department of Corrections John Rowley. Jed Kirschbaum, Staff
- Governor Martin O’Malley greets Senator Lisa Gladden of Baltimore in 2007, left, as he enters the House chamber to give his first State of the State speech. Barbara Haddock Taylor, Staff
- At a press conference this morning, Mayor Martin O’Malley (right) announced his selection of George L. Winfield (left) as the city’s next public works director. Staff Photo/Lloyd Fox.
Eight months after he stood in Federal Hill Park to launch a campaign he said would deliver a message of “new leadership” in the race for the Democratic nomination, O’Malley told supporters in Iowa that he had “fought very hard … to give people a choice” but that the time had come to suspend that effort.
“This cause continues, this fight continues,” said O’Malley, joined on stage by his family. “I am suspending this presidential bid, but I am not ending this fight.”
The announcement came after O’Malley barely registered in Iowa against his better-known rivals Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, failing to meet already low expectations set by polling in the weeks before the caucuses. O’Malley did not receive the 15 percent threshold of caucus goers needed to be considered viable in most of the state’s precincts.
Clinton wished O’Malley well in an address late Monday, calling him “a great public servant who has served Maryland and our country.”
The former Baltimore mayor, who had been rumored to be considering a presidential run for years, oversaw an issues-based campaign that was heavy on retail politics in Iowa and New Hampshire; he spent more time in Iowa last year than either Clinton or Sanders. Even his some of his critics have given him credit for the disciplined campaign.
But political analysts say O’Malley’s effort was severely hampered by timing, including the decision by Sanders to enter the race early. The Vermont senator managed to coalesce the same anti-Clinton voters that O’Malley had hoped to court. The governor also struggled to capture attention in a media landscape dominated by Republican Donald Trump.
“From the moment Governor O’Malley entered this race, he campaigned with heart and with a singular focus on building a better future for American families,” Democratic National Committee chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz said in a statement. “Gov. O’Malley knows that progress is not inevitable — progress is a choice, and he has the record to show it.”
O’Malley and Wasserman Schultz had exchanged terse words throughout much of the campaign after O’Malley repeatedly harped on party leaders for sanctioning only six debates before Iowa and New Hampshire. The Democratic candidates — now, minus O’Malley — will hold a seventh debate on Thursday.
The former Maryland governor influenced the race in other ways, as well. He was the first candidate to call on the U.S. to accept more refugees from Syria, for instance — an idea that was later adopted by Clinton. And his campaign released detailed policy memos on immigration, Wall Street reform and gun control before any of the other candidates.
O’Malley always knew he would be in for a serious challenge running against Clinton, a onetime ally with strong support in the party. The governor tried to sell voters on a more liberal approach, one based on his final years in Annapolis and accomplishments that included a same-sex marriage law and a higher minimum wage.
But while O’Malley’s campaign was technically smooth, outside forces repeatedly delivered setbacks. The rioting that took place in Baltimore in April came at a time when O’Malley was trying to pitch himself as a technocrat who had turned the city around. Earlier, his lieutenant governor, Anthony Brown, lost to Republican Larry Hogan in last year’s gubernatorial election.
By last fall O’Malley was struggling to change the narrative that the contest for the Democratic nomination increasingly appeared to be a two-person race. And by early December, in an indication of his inability to capture support, O’Malley was forced to take out a $500,000 loan just to keep his campaign afloat.
On Monday night, sounding a recently developed campaign theme, O’Malley urged his supporters to “hold strong” to the issues they had been pushing for months.
“In conclusion, there is no conclusion,” O’Malley said. “Thank you for allowing me to make this offering out of love.” — John Fritze, Baltimore Sun