http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/242044-omalley-reportedly-to-announce-may-30May 14, 2015, 08:17 am
O'Malley to announce '16 bid May 30
By Mark Hensch
Former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) will reportedly announce on May 30 — or possibly sooner — whether he will seek the White House next year.
O’Malley plans on revealing his political future in Baltimore, aides told The Washington Post on Wednesday.
The Maryland Democrat will unveil his 2016 plans during a conference call with donors and supporters, the aides said. O’Malley also has such a call scheduled for Thursday evening.
An email to O’Malley’s supporters additionally promised “an important update on his 2016 plans” during the May 30 conference call, The Post added.
O’Malley’s aides also said the former governor has examined several potential locations in Baltimore for his address.
They spoke on the condition of anonymity given campaign rules for publicly announced candidates.
Should he run, O’Malley will challenge former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) for the Democratic nod next election cycle.
Former Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chaffee and Sen. James Webb (Va.) have also expressed interest in joining the 2016 Democratic field.
Clinton is currently considered the heavy favorite for their party’s nomination.
O’Malley visited the early primary state of New Hampshire on Wednesday in a possible hint on his 2016 campaign intentions.
During his visit, O’Malley told assembled reporters and political activists they would know his final plans “very, very shortly.”
“I believe that there’s plenty of room for a more open conversation,” he said when asked about the Democratic nominating contest.
O’Malley’s decision to speak in Baltimore follows sporadic civil unrest there.
Protesters turned violent last month following a funeral for Freddie Gray, a black man who died after suffering injuries while in police custody.
Gray was originally arrested for unlawfully possessing a knife on April 12. He died on April 19 following traumatic spinal damage.
