At Kaneko in Omaha, Martin O’Malley says he's betting on a big political upset

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Omaha World Herald

By Robynn Tysver

Martin O’Malley isn’t giving up.

The former Maryland governor, who is the underdog in a three-way race for the Democratic presidential nomination, said Thursday that he believes he will be in a position to pull off a huge political upset when Iowans caucus on Feb. 1.

“Every year, somebody surprises on caucus night. And I believe this year that surprise will be me,” O’Malley said.

O’Malley was the keynote speaker at a fundraiser Thursday for the Nebraska Democratic Party. About 150 people attended the event at the Kaneko art facility in Omaha’s Old Market.

FULL story at link.


Martin O'Malley

Bio
A native of Washington, D.C., he graduated from Catholic University of America, then got law degree from University of Maryland School of Law. Joined the Gary Hart presidential campaign for 1984, then worked for U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski of Maryland, then became prosecutor for City of Baltimore. Elected to Baltimore City Council, then to two terms as a tough-on-crime mayor, 1999-2007. Then elected governor, serving until term-limited in 2014. Was dubbed “Rock ‘n’ Roll Governor” for his membership in the Celtic Rock Band “O’Malley’s March” (banjo, guitar, vocals, songwriting).

Positions
Budget, taxes & debt Wants to expand Social Security benefits, financed by subjecting incomes above $118,500 to Social Security taxes. Upon election as governor, called special legislative session and closed a budget deficit with a tax-hikes plan.

Economy & trade Has focused on income inequality and his belief that the financial sector has become dangerously concentrated under “the bullies of Wall Street.” Favors breaking up biggest banks and reimposing a version of the Glass-Steagall Act. Opposes the free-trade Trans-Pacific Partnership treaty. As governor, signed raise in minimum wage.

Education Opposes education vouchers for public or private school. Has long favored more “investment” in education. Oversaw Maryland’s adoption of Common Core standards.

FULL list of positions and more here: http://dataomaha.com/election/candidates/martin-omalley

Read more: http://www.omaha.com/news/politics/at-kaneko-in-omaha-martin-o-malley-says-he-s/article_a8eac1c2-47a3-551c-90f8-0dc22a93041c.html

---

O'Malley is getting things together in Iowa: http://www.democraticunderground.com/1251729875

[elleng]

1. GETTING THINGS DONE!

[FSogol]

2. K & R. n/t

[bigbrother05]

3. 2008 wasn't just the story of Obama/Clinton

The early polling was Clinton/Edwards with Obama hanging close. The President was well positioned, policy wise, between the two frontrunners and when Edwards exploded he was the one that benefited the most.

Don't think there is likely to be a repeat of the Edwards scandal, but O'Malley is postured to be a younger, more party friendly version of Sanders. If O'Malley does well in the coming debates and Iowa, there is a lot of room for his growth.

[hedgehog]

4. Thank you for posting this.

[truthisfreedom]

5. I don't know anything about the guy, so I guess he'd better do well.

[Koinos]

6. K & R

O'Malley: “I’m clear about my principles,” he said. “I know where I stand, and I don’t follow polls.”