Another 2020 presidential hopeful has arrived in the Buckeye State to stump for Ohio Democrats and put out feelers for his own future political aspirations.
Former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley will be making a campaign swing through Ohio on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, reports Cleveland.com. O’Malley ran a short-lived campaign for president in 2016 before bowing to Hillary Clinton in the primaries. He says he hasn’t ruled out another run in 2020.
In recent weeks, Sens. Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) have also come to Ohio.
O’Malley says his trips to Ohio and several other states recently are more than just an attempt to help other Democrats. He wishes to “stay in touch with my network” in case he decides to throw his hat into the ring of what promises to be a crowed Democratic field of candidates for 2020. O’Malley is probably one of the least-known candidates in the field.
As he arrived in Ohio, some observers may wonder, will anyone show up to hear him speak? Similar visits leading up to the 2016 race drew paltry crowds in the Midwest.
As a “relative unknown,” O’Malley said he’ll have to make a decision on a presidential run “fairly soon” once the midterms are over. “I’m keeping an open heart and an open mind,” he said.
He’ll be attending canvassing kickoffs and fundraisers for candidates like Richard Cordray, who is running for governor against Republican Mike DeWine, and Democrats running in various congressional and statewide races.
Mandi Merritt, spokeswoman for the Republican National Committee in Ohio, said she believes O’Malley is wasting his time in Ohio, a key swing state.
Ohioans know all too well what Democrats like Martin O’Malley would mean for their future: a sweeping progressive agenda of higher taxes, strict gun control, and taxpayer-funded tuition for illegal immigrants. If Ohio Democrats wanted to make the case for how out of touch they are with Ohio voters, bringing in failed 2016 contender and 2020 wannabe Martin O’Malley ought to do the trick.”
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Anthony Accardi is a writer and reporter for The Ohio Star.
