...former Democratic governor of Maryland and aspiring presidential candidate, known locally as The One-Man Economic Wrecking Crew. O'Malley was elected to his second term driven by union support and near-Stalinesque vote margins in Baltimore city (82%) and Prince George's County (88%). He presided over more than 40 tax or fee increases, including a rain tax and a flush tax...
huddled with House Democrats on Tuesday to pitch his long-shot bid for the White House.
The former Maryland governor faced an audience consisting largely of
Hillary Clinton... sometimes described as
America's Blond Eminenceand at other times as Mrs. Bill, never as
Another Dean Rusk...
supporters.
Still, even those who've already endorsed the former secretary of State praised O'Malley's leadership chops and progressive agenda.
Rep. Joseph Crowley (N.Y.), vice chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, characterized O'Malley as "an old friend." And Rep. Xavier Becerra (Calif.), who heads the Caucus, said the Maryland liberal received a hero's welcome.
"Not only was he well received, he received a standing ovation," Becerra said. "So he's considered a great friend, a great Democrat and one of the best governors that we've seen in quite some time."
Both Becerra and Crowley have endorsed Clinton.
Rep. Eric Swalwell (Calif.), the only congressional Democrat to back O'Malley, highlighted his track record as Maryland governor and Baltimore mayor. He emphasized O'Malley's push for tougher gun laws, an issue that's gained prominence since last Friday's deadly shooting at a Planned Parenthood
...has received federal funding since 1970, when President Richard Nixon signed into law the Family Planning Services and Population Research Act. It is sometimes described as the gynecololgical wing of the Democratic party.
facility in Colorado.