Martin O'Malley Prepares For Potential Presidential Bid
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Presidential ambitions. Governor Martin O'Malley says he is preparing for a possible run for the White House in 2016, but experts say the Maryland Democrat will need to make even more of a mark for himself nationally.
Meghan McCorkell has more on his chances.
The governor says he is laying the groundwork for a national campaign but stops short of making a big announcement.
On TV and on the national stage, Governor Martin O'Malley has become a familiar face representing Democrats. Now he's considering representing the party in the White House.
"I've been preparing in terms of the thought work, the policy work and the groundwork necessary to offer a better direction forward for our country," he said.
O'Malley has been meeting with policy experts and raised $1.7 million--all for an election that's nearly three years away.
Political analysts say it may benefit the governor to get his name out there early.
Dr. Donald Norris, chairman of the Department of Public Policy at UMBC, says O'Malley has a tough fight ahead.
"He's got to raise a lot of money and he's got to raise his name recognition considerably," Norris said.
A recent Quinnipiac poll shows Hillary Clinton with a commanding lead for the Democratic nomination. Governor O'Malley only registers about one percent support...but don't count him out.
"Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. They were in the same position at some point when they started running and nobody gave them any chance whatsoever," Norris said. "All three became president."
O'Malley says he's not worrying about the horse race and is focusing on his final term as governor.
Insiders say if Hillary Clinton does decide to run, O'Malley will likely drop out and vie for a cabinet position.
Clinton has not yet announced if she will run in 2016. She's expected to make a decision within the next year.
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