Maryland Lawmakers Stand Up For Martin O'Malley

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In 2006, Maryland voters stood up to partisanship and gridlock by electing Martin O’Malley, a progressive leader who was not afraid to govern with his principles instead of polls. Our state had many challenges. But what makes Governor O’Malley stand out is that he didn’t just take on the tough fights, he won them.

By developing partnerships and working collaboratively with legislators from both parties, Governor O’Malley raised Maryland’s minimum wage, passed the nation’s first living wage, cleaned up the Chesapeake Bay, increased investments in renewable energy by 40 percent, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent to address the threat of climate change — all while trimming waste and balancing a budget without giving into austerity.

Governor O’Malley overcame the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression while maintaining a AAA bond rating and investing in education to make our public schools the nation’s best for 5 years in a row. While leaders in other states pursued political expedience, Governor O’Malley showed courage by signing marriage equality into law and defending it at the ballot box, taking on the NRA and passing comprehensive gun safety legislation, abolishing the death penalty, passing the DREAM Act, and granting driver’s licenses to New Americans.

These accomplishments sound like a progressive pipe dream but in Maryland, this was our reality. Many of these achievements were tough fights but Governor O’Malley overcame a divided state legislature and brought people together to see past the partisan gridlock. That’s why we know Governor O’Malley, with his 15 years of executive experience, is the best candidate to build on President Barack Obama’s legacy and keep our country moving forward. Eight years ago, Iowans showed up to caucus for change. Now is not the time to turn back the clock. America always moves forward, and Iowa has a way of leading our way.

Rushern L. Baker III, Prince George’s County Executive

Isiah Leggett, Montgomery County Executive

Hon. Parris Glendening, Former Governor of Maryland

Hon. Michael Barnes, Former Member of Congress

Yvette Lewis, Former Chair, Maryland Democratic Party, DNC At-Large Member

Terry Lierman, Former Chair, Maryland Democratic Party


read: http://www.thegazette.com/subject/opinion/guest-columnists/martin-omalley-will-lead-with-principle-20160128

[Peacetrain]

1. Yes!!! what I love to read

[FSogol]

2. K & R. n/t

[Skwmom]

3. Too bad the voters don't (3-5% support). Gridlock? It was democratically

controlled.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_party_strength_in_Maryland

My God, who writes this stuff....

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4. Martin O'Malley had 58% approval in MD when he left office - These popular MD pols vouch for that

...that's who 'writes this stuff.' Good MD Democrats who worked side by side with O'Malley to help achieve his impressive progressive record in my state which outstrips ANY progressive record of political accomplishment by either of his rivals.

Martin O'Malley won four successive elections, two statewide by overwhelming margins.

The fact that voters have chosen to support the other candidates in polling is a tribute to the strength of their campaigns, not a credible source of ridicule or analysis of this primary effort, or of O'Malley's popularity in Maryland.

But, you keep trying...

[PragmaticLiberal]

5. Out of curiosity, are you a Maryland resident?

The only reason I asked is because I've noticed that when people on this board talk about their experiences under the O'Malley administration you tend to dismiss them.

I was wondering does that come from your own experiences or is just what you've read/believe?

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6. I've lived in Maryland over 45 years

...that poster is making small and disingenuous arguments which are familiar to most Marylanders who've faced these same questions over the decades from his republican opponents looking to strike a wedge between his Democratic support in my state - from the Ehrlich campaign, for example.

[PragmaticLiberal]

7. I've lived in Maryland for most of my life and these arguments also seem familiar to me.

Reminds me alot of "Erlich/Hogan" talking points.

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8. exactly

...it's a rather small bag of charges they have which don't come anywhere close to touching on any of these progressive policy accomplishments O'Malley has fought for and achieved.

[FSogol]

12. Yup and Michael Steele talking points.

I live in Northern VA, but work takes me all over Maryland.

[PragmaticLiberal]

11. I'll just kick this because I'd like an answer to my question.

[FSogol]

14. Crickets! I think we all know the answer. n/t

[PragmaticLiberal]

15. Exactly.

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9. kick

[eppur_se_muova]

10. I'm hoping O'Malley looks as good in 2024 ...

Sort of hate to make the guy wait, but I'm glad to see that Dems have an up-and-coming strong candidate for the future. The repugs, on the other hand ...

(I'm hoping he doesn't have to run in 2020, but if Bernie wins this year, he may.)

[Nanjeanne]

13. Good for them

I'm a Sanders supporter but like the campaign O'Malley is running. So good for him!

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16. kick