O'Malley 2016? Some Voters Say They Support A Run For White House
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- New Hampshire voters are asked if they have made up their minds on the 2016 presidential election, and some say they would consider voting for Governor Martin O'Malley.
But as political reporter Pat Warren explains, he would have some distance to cover.
Many are tested, but who will run?
Governor O'Malley is showing up in polls around the nation, the latest in New Hampshire--where the first primary is held. Among Democrats, the University of New Hampshire Survey Center reports Hillary Clinton with an 80 percent favorability rating this far out of 2016, Joe Biden with 51 percent.
In what many consider the lower tier candidates, Governor O'Malley polls at 3 percent. This all with 82 percent of the New Hampshire voters undecided.
About 25 percent of Maryland voters surveyed in a recent Gonzales Poll say he should run, and observers say why not?
"His profile's been very high, he's taken on the major issues. He's supported the incumbent president," said political analyst Richard Vatz.
"There is more that unites us than divides us," O'Malley said.
In fact, Maryland Republicans were convinced by last month's State of the State address that the governor is already running for president.
"He's obviously auditioning to become president," said Sen. Nancy Jacobs.
"Everything seems to be on a national checklist. We're going to be dealing with this long before he moves onto the campaign trail in 2016," said Sen. E.J. Pipkin.
O'Malley says his position is to focus on the present rather than the presidency, and the best approach to any potential future candidacy is to govern well.
Governor O'Malley's term ends in 2014.
