2016 Presidential Campaign Blog

Greater Des Moines Partnership Candidate Forum with Martin O'Malley on Friday, July 24, 2015

Greater Des Moines Partnership Candidate Forum with Martin O'Malley on Friday, July 24, 2015

As part of the 2016 Iowa Caucus Consortium, the Greater Des Moines Partnership has partnered with the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau, Iowa Economic Development Authority, Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, The Des Moines Register and Drake University, to host a series of candidate forums. The Consortium has offered the opportunity to all presidential candidates and potential candidates to speak at a forum during the coming months. Click here to read more about the Caucus Consortium.

Join us in welcoming Former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley during your lunch hour on Friday, July 24 for an event in the Caucus Candidate Forum Series. Light hors d'oeuvres will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and the program will begin at noon.
 
Time: Friday, July 24, 2015, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Location: State Historical Building of Iowa, 600 E. Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

Statement from O’Malley for President Deputy Campaign Manager and Spokeswoman Lis Smith on Rebuilding the American Dream

STATEMENT: Rebuilding the American Dream Will Take Bold, Progressive, New Leadership
 
BALTIMORE, MD—The following statement is attributable to O’Malley for President deputy campaign manager and spokeswoman Lis Smith:
 
“Rebuilding the American Dream will take more than vague promises. That’s why Governor O’Malley has set bold, progressive, and specific goals to make our economy work for more Americans.
 
“He’s called for 100% renewable energy by 2050—a proposal that would create up to 5 million new jobs in ten years. He’s set the goal of debt-free college in five years, because too many students are graduating from college under a mountain of debt. And he’s put forth real structural and accountability reforms to rein in reckless behavior on Wall Street—reforms that would put an end to the days of too-big-to-fail, too-big-to-jail, and too-big-to-manage banks.
 
“Additionally, he’s been very specific about other steps we need to take Rebuild the American Dream. He’s called for raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, expanding Social Security, and taxing capital gains at the same rate as earned income.
 
“Fixing today’s problems will take fearless and progressive new leadership—that’s exactly what Governor O’Malley is bringing to this race.”
 
Background:
 
O’MALLEY EARNED “PRAISE” FROM WONKY PROGRESSIVES FOR HIS AMBITIOUS POLICY ON CLIMATE, WALL STREET, STUDENT DEBT AND GUNS
 
MSNBC: “O’Malley Is Earning Praise From Wonkier Progressives Like The Progressive Change Campaign Committee By Rolling Out Ambitious Policy”. “Meanwhile, O’Malley is earning praise from wonkier progressives like the Progressive Change Campaign Committee by rolling out ambitious policy like a debt-free college plan, one to convert the country 100% clean energy, and a new call for a crackdown on Wall Street unveiled Thursday. He hopes ideas like these will win over progressives when they give him a second (or first) look down the road.” [MSNBC, 7/9/15]
 
Buzzfeed: O’Malley’s Debt Free College Plan Rollout Was “The Third Time O’Malley Has Rolled Out A Policy Agenda That’s Drawn Accolades From The Wonky End Of The Progressive Movement.” “It’s the third time O’Malley has rolled out a policy agenda that’s drawn accolades from the wonky end of the progressive movement. O’Malley’s climate change agenda — based in a promise to end the use of fossil fuels over the next 35 years — was heralded by the left as the ‘standard’ by which all other campaigns should be judged. After the shooting in Charleston, O’Malley was the only Democrat in the race to specifically call for a ban on assault weapons as part of a promise to make gun control a central focus on his campaign.” [Buzzfeed, 7/8/15]
 
O’MALLEY “SET AN EXTREMELY HIGH BAR ON CLIMATE CHANGE” BY CALLING FOR 100% RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION IN 35 YEARS, AND TOOK ON ISSUES LIKE KEYSTONE
 
Huffington Post Headline: “Martin O'Malley Just Set An Extremely High Bar On Climate Change For 2016 Democratic Contenders.” [Huffington Post, 6/18/15]
Steyer: I Hope When Other 2016 Candidates Address Climate Change They “Show The Same Boldness That Governor O’Malley Did Today. He Deserves Real Credit For His Vision, And Our Gratitude.”  “The fact is climate change is our greatest challenge but it’s also our greatest opportunity to create jobs, build new industries and grow our economy. I look forward to seeing candidates in both parties lay out their plans to take decisive action on this issue and build a more prosperous and sustainable future for our kids—and I hope they show the same boldness that Governor O’Malley did today. He deserves real credit for his vision, and our gratitude.” [Tom Steyer statement on O’Malley climate plan, via Politico Reporter Jennifer Shutt’s tweet, 6/18/15]
Sierra Club Exec. Director Brune: “Sierra Club Applauds Governor O’Malley For Driving The Conversation Toward The Critically Important Goal Of Transitioning Off Of Dirty Fossil Fuels To A Healthy And Just Economy Powered By 100% Clean Energy.” “The Sierra Club applauds Governor O’Malley for driving the conversation toward the critically important goal of transitioning off of dirty fossil fuels to a healthy and just economy powered by 100% clean energy.  There is no question that momentum toward this essential goal is building rapidly across the nation and the globe. Polls make it clear that Americans want climate action and strongly prefer clean energy over fossil fuels.” [Statement from Executive Director Brune, Press Release, Sierra Club, 6/18/15]
 
 
O’MALLEY’S DEBT-FREE COLLEGE PLAN WAS ANOTHER “PROGRESSIVE HERO MOMENT” FOR O’MALLEY AS HE INTRODUCED PROPOSALS THAT “HAVEN’T BEEN DISCUSSED BROADLY” YET
 
Buzzfeed: “Before It Was Even Formally Announced, Progressives Were Heralding” O’Malley’s Debt Free College  Plan “As Yet Another Liberal Standard From O’Malley.” “Before it was even formally announced, progressives were heralding the plan as yet another liberal standard from O’Malley. ‘Martin O’Malley’s belief that debt-free college must be accessible to all students, and must apply to all public colleges and universities, is spot on and we look forward to seeing the plans of others,’ Adam Green, co-founder of PCCC — which is expected to announce its own debt-free college plan at the annual Netroots Nation progressive confab next week — told BuzzFeed News in an email. Green said he hoped O’Malley’s rivals will unveil plans that rival the former Maryland governor’s. For now, the debt-free plan puts O’Malley in the progressive spotlight, even against Sanders. ‘To her credit, Hillary Clinton has mentioned debt-free college multiple times on the campaign trail, and Americans await a bold policy speech on debt-free college in the near future,’ Green said. ‘We hope Bernie Sanders and others endorse this game changing goal of debt-free college as well.’” [Buzzfeed, 7/8/15]
 
 
MSNBC: On College Debt, “What Sets O’Malley’s Plan Apart From Others Is That It Would Also Attempt To Tackle Non-Tuition Costs, Like Room And Board.” “What sets O’Malley’s plan apart from others is that it would also attempt to tackle non-tuition costs, like room and board. To do that, O’Malley proposes increasing federal Pell Grants and tripling the federal work-study program to let two million students participate. He also calls for the federal government to use federal money as leverage to encourage colleges to increase on-time graduation rates, improve education quality, and direct financial aid toward students who need it most.” [MSNBC, 7/8/15]
 
 
O’MALLEY’S WALL STREET REGULATORY PLAN “SET A NEW STANDARD ON THE POLICY FRONT” AND ALIGNED HIMSELF WITH THE PROGRESSIVE WALL STREET REFORM LEADERS ON THE LEFT
 
Policy Mic: After Proposing “The Most Progressive Proposal Addressing Student Debt”, O’Malley “Promised To Aggressively Reform And Police Wall Street Using Language That Couldn't Conceivably Be Uttered By A Candidate With Close Ties To The Financial Sector.” “On Wednesday, Democratic presidential hopeful Martin O'Malley released a white paper that made one thing crystal clear: He has his sights set on Wall Street. In a policy document released the day after he unveiled the most progressive proposal addressing student debt of any of the Democratic candidates, the former governor of Maryland promised to aggressively reform and police Wall Street using language that couldn't conceivably be uttered by a candidate with close ties to the financial sector.” [Policy Mic, 7/9/15]
 
Bloomberg: O’Malley “Has Set A New Standard On The Policy Front When It Comes To Wall Street Regulation And Financial Services Policy In General.” “None of this means O'Malley's numbers will suddenly to start to move in a meaningful way, but he has set a new standard on the policy front when it comes to Wall Street regulation and financial services policy in general. How that seeps into the overall debate in the Democratic primary—and the vocal advocates who he brings along with him on that ride--will be worth paying attention to in the months ahead.” [Bloomberg, 7/9/15]
 
Vox: “O'Malley's Plan Is Another Signpost Of Where The Progressive Wing Of The Democratic Party Wants To Go On Bank Regulation”. “It is, of course, relatively unlikely that much of this will be done. But O'Malley's plan is another signpost of where the progressive wing of the Democratic Party wants to go on bank regulation, and highlights the kind of issues that will be under discussion if a Democrat sits in the White House in 2016.” [Vox, 7/9/15]

Governor Martin O’Malley Expands Fifth Trip to Iowa on July 16-17, 2015 *Updated

Governor Martin O’Malley to Highlight Bold Immigration Plan in Iowa on July 16, 2015
 
Des Moines – This Thursday, July 16th, Governor Martin O’Malley will return to Iowa to lay out his bold plan for immigration reform at multiple events around the state.
 
The Governor, who spent last week rolling out detailed progressive policy ideas for debt-free college and reigning in Wall Street megabanks, will hold events on Thursday and Friday to discuss his plan to use executive action to provide immediate relief to the millions of New Americans and forge a new consensus for comprehensive immigration reform for the 21st Century.
 
This is Governor O’Malley’s fifth trip to Iowa since announcing his presidential campaign on May 30th. Media availabilities will follow each of the events.
 
Thursday, July 16, 2015
 
2:30 pm CDT –   Immigration Roundtable
Las Americas -Trinity United Methodist Church, 1548 8th St., Des Moines, IA 50314
 
7:00 pm CDT -    Wapello County Meet and Greet
Hotel Ottumwa, 2nd Floor Community Room, 107 2nd Street East, Ottumwa, IA
 
Friday, July 17, 2015
 
10:00 am CDT - Des Moines County Meet and Greet
Digger's Rest Coffeehouse, 314 Jefferson St, Burlington, IA 52601
                
12:30 pm CDT -  Washington County Meet and Greet
                                Art Domestique, 118 South Iowa Avenue, Washington, IA 52353
 
5:15 PM CDT -    Pre- Hall of Fame Meet and Greet
White Star Ale House, 305 2nd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA
 
7:00 pm CDT -    Speech at Iowa Democratic Party’s Hall of Fame Awards
Cedar Rapids Convention Complex, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 524011

Martin O'Malley Returns to New Hampshire on July 8, 2015 for Events in Manchester, Derry, and Concord

Governor O'Malley Returns to NH, Will Discuss Bold, Progressive Ideas to Rebuild the American Dream at Events in Manchester, Derry, and Concord

Manchester, NH - On Wednesday, July 8th, Governor Martin O'Malley returns to New Hampshire to continue directly engaging with voters, discussing his bold, progressive ideas to rebuild the America Dream at events in Manchester, Derry, and Concord.

This is Governor O'Malley's third trip to New Hampshire since announcing his campaign for President about four weeks ago. Media availabilities will follow each of the events.

Wednesday, July 8

9:00 AM - Education Event
The New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College - West Wing
100 Saint Anselm Dr, Manchester

11:00 AM - Remarks at the Greater Derry Londonderry Chamber of Commerce
The Halligan Tavern Function Room
32 West Broadway, Derry
                
1:00 PM -  WMUR Conversation with the Candidate
100 S. Commercial St, Manchester

3:00 PM -  Meets with NEA New Hampshire
9 S Spring St, Concord

5:45 PM -  Backyard Town Hall
Home of Jay Surdukowski
6 Kent Street, Concord

8:45 PM -  Pints and Politics: Road to the White House Series
Barley House
132 North Main Street, Concord

Martin O'Malley Heads to Iowa with the Goal of 100% Renewable Energy by 2050

Martin O'Malley Heads to Iowa with the Goal of 100% Renewable Energy by 2050

Today, Governor Martin O’Malley is kicking off a 3-day swing through Iowa to formally unveil his goal of making the U.S. 100% powered by renewable energy by 2050.

The Governor identifies the challenge of climate change as both a moral imperative for our nation and a tremendous economic opportunity to create new jobs. That’s why he led on tackling climate change as governor, and why he’s made this goal the center of his campaign.

In Maryland, Governor O’Malley made addressing climate change one of his top priorities. He successfully cut greenhouse gas emissions by 10%, and under his leadership the clean energy sector in the state created thousands of new jobs. 

In the Des Moines Register this week, Governor O’Malley laid out his vision, saying, “as president, I would use my executive power on day one to declare the transition to a clean energy future the number one priority of our federal government.”

• Read his white paper on making the U.S. 100% powered by renewables by 2050


• Read his white paper on how we can learn from the progress Iowa has made

Governor O’Malley’s bold, progressive policy ideas for tackling climate change have won high praise for “set[ting] an extremely high bar" and being a "bold approach that sets the standard" on the climate debate.

He is the only candidate to put forth an aggressive plan to take on climate change, and he is the only candidate with proven leadership – getting real results in Maryland.

BACKGROUND

PRAISE FOR GOVERNOR O’MALLEY’S BOLD, PROGRESSIVE VISION FOR TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE:

Salon Headline: This Is What A Real Climate Plan Looks Like: Martin O’Malley’s Bold Approach Sets The Standard

Huffington Post Headline: Martin O'Malley Just Set An Extremely High Bar On Climate Change For 2016 Democratic Contenders

The Hill Headline: O’Malley Pushes Aggressive Climate Change Platform

Grist Headline: Here’s What Climate Hawk Martin O’Malley Would Do As President

USA Today Headline: O'Malley Unveils Climate Change Plan

Washington Post Headline: As The Pope Opines On Climate Change, O’Malley Releases A Clean Energy Agenda

Vice Headline: The Presidential Candidate With A Plan To Run The US On 100% Clean Energy

Daily Kos Headline: Martin O'Malley Calls For Getting 100% Off Fossil Fuels By 2050

Eco Watch Headline: Presidential Candidate Martin O’Malley: We Can And Should Be 100% Powered by Renewable Energy By 2050

MSNBC Headline: Martin O’Malley Calls For 100% Clean Energy By 2050

National Journal Headline: Tom Steyer Sends Hillary Clinton A Message, Via Pope Francis And Martin O’Malley

Salon: "O’Malley has long been a hawk on climate change, and this platform is in keeping with his record. Much of what he’s laid out in this document is meant to emphasize that he is very much to the left of Hillary Clinton on the issue.

...

“By laying down a clear and ambitious goal for climate policy, O’Malley is injecting some clarity into the climate change debate and giving environmental activists something to rally around."

Eco Watch: “Democratic presidential candidate Martin O’Malley has released a position paper on the environment that deserves more attention…”

The Hill: "O'Malley's target on clean energy is the most aggressive aspect of a climate change platform full of policy proposals that are red meat for liberals and environmentalists."

Vice: “O'Malley does have a political impetus to stake his claim on climate policy—it's one thing that will distinguish him from his peers...”

Grist: “[Governor O'Malley] is the first candidate to produce anything resembling a detailed climate policy…Collectively, they would go further than President Obama has — or than Hillary Clinton has called for thus far.

...

“O’Malley is promising to treat climate change — an issue that is often marginalized even by pro-environment candidates — as the hugely important challenge that it is... [He] is unafraid to set himself apart from Obama and the centrist, corporatist wing of his party that embraces fossil fuel development.”

Daily Kos: “O'Malley did not become a climate hawk just yesterday. In 2009, he signed into law a state goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent from 2006 levels by 2020. He has pushed other environmental actions as well, including cleaning up Chesapeake Bay and reducing methane emissions from landfills by boosting composting.”

MSNBC: “The sweeping plan ... could help O’Malley stand out and excite Democratic primary voters who care about this issue ...”

National Journal: “[Steyer] effusively praised Martin O'Malley for taking the lead...Steyer created a clear contrast between O'Malley and Clinton, the Democratic frontrunner who has yet to take a position on the controversial pipeline and so far has not laid out nearly as detailed a vision for fighting global warming.”

Washington Post: "As some Catholic candidates seeking the Republican presidential nomination question the pope’s advocacy on climate change, Democratic hopeful Martin O’Malley is embracing it."

Governor Martin O’Malley to Return to Iowa for 4th of July Weekend (July 2-4, 2015)

Governor O’Malley to Return to Iowa for 4th of July Weekend
 
Des Moines – This Thursday, July 2nd, Governor Martin O’Malley will return to Iowa to spend the 4th of July weekend holding  events around Iowa highlighting his bold climate change policy.
This is Governor O’Malley’s fourth trip to Iowa since announcing his presidential campaign on May 30th. Media availabilities will follow each of the events.
 
Thursday, July 2nd
 
11:30am CDT      

Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy (SIRE)
10868 189th Street
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
 
4:30 pm CDT       

Union County House Party, hosted by Karl and Jan Knock
906 W Montgomery
Creston, IA
 
7:00 pm CDT       

Dallas County Meet and Greet, hosted by the Dallas County Dems
1908 Draught House,
1320 E Hickman Road
Waukee, IA
 
Friday, July 3rd
 
10:00 am CDT     

Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) Wind Turbine
Technology Center, Building 3E
2006 S Ankeny Blvd
Ankeny, IA
 
11:30 am CDT     

Jasper County Meet and Greet, hosted by Jasper County Chair, Taylor Van De Krol,
Uncle Nancy’s Coffee House
114 N 2nd Ave W
Newton 50208
 
5:00 pm CDT       

Black Hawk County Meet and Greet, hosted by the Black Hawk County Democrats
307 E 4th Street
Waterloo, IA
 
7:00 pm CDT       

Manchester House Party, hosted by Delaware County Chair Megan Jack
108 W Union St
Manchester IA, 52057
 
Saturday, July 4th
 
9:00 am CDT       

Governor O'Malley will walk with the O'Malley for Iowa Team and the Buchanan County Democrats in the Independence, IA 4th of July Parade
Parade line up is on 1st SE
Independence IA
 
12:00 pm CDT     

John Murphy for Dubuque County Recorder 4th of July BBQ
Asbury Park, Asbury Road at Springreen Drive
Dubuque IA
 
2:00 pm CDT       

Clinton County Democrats 4th of July BBQ
Clinton County Democrats Office
224 22nd Place
Clinton, IA

Martin O’Malley Praises SCOTUS Ruling to Uphold Subsidies in The Affordable Care Act

O’Malley Praises SCOTUS Ruling to Uphold Subsidies in The Affordable Care Act

BALTIMORE, MD— Following the U.S. Supreme Court decision to uphold subsidies in The Affordable Care Act, Governor Martin O'Malley released the following statement:

"The Affordable Care Act has helped more than 17 million Americans access quality and affordable health coverage. Now that the Supreme Court has, once again, upheld the Affordable Care Act, we must continue to build and improve upon this hard won-progress. With the national goal of universal coverage now affirmed, we must reduce costs by improving wellness. Innovations for better coordinated care, personalized medicine, and the alignment of profit incentives to promote wellness make all of this possible."

Martin O’Malley to Hold Three Events in Western & Central Iowa on June 28, 2015

Martin O’Malley to Hold Three Events in Western & Central Iowa on June 28, 2015
 
Des Moines -- This Sunday, June 28, 2015, Governor Martin O’Malley will hold grassroots events in Sioux City, Carroll, and Ames, Iowa.
 
This is Governor O’Malley’s third trip to Iowa since announcing his presidential campaign on May 30th.
 
12:00 PM CDT –

Sioux City House Party, hosted by Ben Nesselhuf and Angie Schneiderman
3648 Lindenwood St, Sioux City 51104
Doors open at 11:45 AM CDT
 
3:30 PM CDT

Carroll House Party, hosted by Carroll County Democrats Chair Tim Tracy
25354 Kittyhawk Ave, Carroll 51401
Doors open at 3:00 PM CDT
 
6:30 PM CDT

Ames House Party, hosted by Carolyn and John Klaus
2167 Ashmore Dr, Ames, 50014
Doors open at 6:00 PM CDT

Martin O’Malley Opens First Office in New Hampshire

Martin O’Malley Opens First Office in New Hampshire
 
Manchester, NH –   O'Malley for New Hampshire today opened its first office in the Granite State. The office, located at 223 South Willow Street in Manchester, will serve as the headquarters for staff and volunteers working to elect new leadership and a progressive champion to the White House.

"Governor O'Malley's message of new leadership is resonating with voters across New Hampshire," said John Bivona, O'Malley New Hampshire State Director. "This office will serve as an organizing hub as we continue to grow our team, be accessible and visible out in the community, and work to earn the votes of the people of New Hampshire."

The office opening follows four grassroots events that Governor O'Malley held in New Hampshire this past Saturday where he met and directly engaged with voters.

Clinton, O’Malley, Sanders and Webb to Headline 2015 IDP Hall of Fame Celebration in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on July 17th

Clinton, O’Malley, Sanders and Webb to Headline 2015 IDP Hall of Fame Celebration
Iowa Democrats to Honor Important Contributions Made by Party Leaders and Grassroots Activists
 
DES MOINES – The Iowa Democratic Party today announced Hillary Clinton, Martin O’Malley, Bernie Sanders and Jim Webb will attend the 2015 IDP Hall of Fame Celebration.
 
The Hall of Fame Celebration will take place on July 17, 2015 at the Cedar Rapids Convention Complex.
 
“The Iowa Democratic Party is thrilled to welcome Secretary Clinton, Governor O’Malley, Senator Sanders and Senator Webb to our Hall of Fame Celebration,” IDP Chair Dr. Andy McGuire said. “With the first-in-the-nation Iowa caucuses ahead of us, the Hall of Fame is a premier opportunity for Iowa Democrats to hear from our current and prospective presidential candidates about issues that matter to our families and communities. Iowa Democrats are excited and enthusiastic to hear the candidates lay out their vision for moving our country forward.”
 
At the Hall of Fame Celebration, the IDP will be honoring several Iowa Democrats for their dedication and important contributions to the Iowa Democratic Party and their communities:

• Outstanding Elected Official Award: Senate President Pam Jochum
• Outstanding Supporter Award: the Honorable Kay Halloran
• Outstanding Leadership Award: former Senator Bev Hannon
• Jim Lodwick Award for Outstanding State Central Committee Member: Penny Rosjford
• Bob Creech Award for Outstanding Democratic Party Chair: Melinda Jones
• Dixon Terry Award for Outstanding Democratic Party Activist: Kurt Meyer
• Edward Campbell Rising Star Award: Morgan Miller
“The strength of the Iowa Democratic Party comes from the exceptional leaders, supporters and grassroots activists we have all across Iowa,” McGuire added. “We look forward to celebrating the outstanding contributions of many important Democrats who have given so much to our party.”
 
Tickets for the Hall of Fame are now on sale and can be purchased here.