2016 Postmortem
Related: About this forumMaryland Lawmakers Stand Up For Martin O'Malley
In 2006, Maryland voters stood up to partisanship and gridlock by electing Martin OMalley, a progressive leader who was not afraid to govern with his principles instead of polls. Our state had many challenges. But what makes Governor OMalley stand out is that he didnt just take on the tough fights, he won them.
By developing partnerships and working collaboratively with legislators from both parties, Governor OMalley raised Marylands minimum wage, passed the nations 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 OMalley 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 nations best for 5 years in a row. While leaders in other states pursued political expedience, Governor OMalley 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 drivers 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 OMalley overcame a divided state legislature and brought people together to see past the partisan gridlock. Thats why we know Governor OMalley, with his 15 years of executive experience, is the best candidate to build on President Barack Obamas 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 Georges 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
(22,836 posts)FSogol
(45,357 posts)Skwmom
(12,685 posts)controlled.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_party_strength_in_Maryland
My God, who writes this stuff....
bigtree
(85,917 posts)...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
(904 posts)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?
bigtree
(85,917 posts)...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
(904 posts)Reminds me alot of "Erlich/Hogan" talking points.
bigtree
(85,917 posts)...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
(45,357 posts)I live in Northern VA, but work takes me all over Maryland.
PragmaticLiberal
(904 posts)FSogol
(45,357 posts)PragmaticLiberal
(904 posts)eppur_se_muova
(36,227 posts)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
(4,878 posts)I'm a Sanders supporter but like the campaign O'Malley is running. So good for him!