Friday, July 06, 2007

Ambition City-Gov. Martin O'Malley and Hillary Clinton

Earlier this year, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley tepidly endorsed Sen. Hillary Clinton for President. Most people figured O'Malley is after a Vice Presidential nod given both his endorsement and other work. But Russ Smith points out that the spin on O'Malley is not nearly as accurate as he would have you believe.

O'Malley's short term as governor (he was elected in 2006) have not been particularly embullient in a one-party state. First, although he was successful as mayor at staving off a 50 percent rate hike in the local power company's rates, he and his former Baltimore consituents and not a few other Marylanders are looking at a 72 percent hike that O'Malley is unlikely to stave off. As governor he is looking at a $1.5 billion dollar deficit, exacerbated by a massive minimum wage increase for state contractors and a penchant for spending tax money like water. O'Malley's legacy as Mayor of Baltimore is marred by two major matters that he was unable to resolve in seven years as mayor, a murder rate second only to Detroit and a public school system in complete shambles, with poor test scores, even worse graduation rates, dispicable budget processes, and faulty repairs.

Finally, there is O'Malley's "sanctuary state" outlook on immigration-a stance that Hillary Clinton would have a hard time glossing over if she wants to win in November 2008.

If Hillary Clinton is looking for a vice presidential candidate, Martin O'Malley sure ain't it.

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