Martin O'Malley: Blog #1

Democrat Martin O'Malley served as the Governor of Maryland from 2007 to 2015, and prior to that served the people of Baltimore as Mayor from 1999 to 2007. As Governor, O'Malley moved Maryland forward in many important ways and Washington Monthly Magazine called him, "arguably the best manager in government." O'Malley would make a great 2016 presidential candidate because his accomplishments as Governor relate directly to issues that America is facing nationwide.

In 2012 he signed a law legalizing same-sex marriage in Maryland and it was upheld by majority vote of the public.

• Even though this issue will be decided by the Supreme Court sometime this year, it is still an important factor to his candidate image. The general population has grown more favorable towards same-sex marriage, especially those who fall in the middle. This could help him with independent and swing voters. 

Under his Governorship, Maryland had the best public schools in America for 5 years in a row.

• Most everyone on both political sides can agree that the children of America and their education is important. Having the best public schools in America while also cutting state spending shows O'Malley's ability to be effective and efficient in areas that count. American's want a leader who can cut government spending but maintain the quality of this nation. This is evidence that Martin O'Malley can be that leader. 

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce named Maryland #1 in innovation and entrepreneurship 3 years in a row and #1 in STEM jobs.

• In a world with increasing technology, America needs to be more innovative than ever to remain a world leader. Being #1 in innovation, entrepreneurship, and STEM jobs shows that under O'Malley's leadership jobs were created and maintained in areas of great importance. This shows the American people that O'Malley is the kind of leader who will move America forward in the right direction.   

He was able to cut state spending by $9.7 billion over 8 years and Maryland maintained a AAA Bond Rating during the recession.

• Only seven states were able to maintain a AAA Bond Rating during the recession, and the fact that O'Malley was able to accomplish that shows he is a fiscally responsible leader. Cutting government spending while being able to maintain the quality of Maryland's economy and schools is appealing to voters on both sides of the political line. Again, this shows that O'Malley is a leader who is both effective and efficient. 

Martin O'Malley is a candidate that can appeal to Democrats, people in the middle, and even those who are lightly conservative. There is so much heat between the two political parties today that those who are Republicans will most likely vote for the conservative candidate, and those who are Democrats will most likely vote for the liberal candidate. The 2016 presidential election will come down to the voters in the middle, and Martin O'Malley has proven that he is the kind of leader that can move America forward while implementing fiscal responsibility.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/07/us-usa-campaign-gaymarriage-idUSBRE8A60MG20121107

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_O%27Malley

http://www.ksdp.org/press/former-maryland-governor-martin-omalley-deliver-kansas-democrats-washington-days-keynote-speec