Iowans Must Caucus for Martin O’Malley!
'Recent polls continue to show Governor Martin O’Malley trailing far behind Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton of likely Democratic caucus-goers in Iowa. This is surprising. O’Malley has been in Iowa in more places and more often than either of the other two candidates. Those who meet him and hear him speak are invariably impressed with his grasp of the issues facing Americans and his wide range of experience in governing, not just politicking. But coffee klatches don’t win the day in winning support. . .
Martin O’Malley’s slogan “New Leadership,” takes a pot shot at Clinton, and indirectly at Sanders who has been in Congress for many years. To understand what he means, you have to dig into his campaign website or hear his speeches. This is what Iowans serious about caucusing should do.
Once you examine his proposals, you will realize that he stands with Sanders on income inequality and with Clinton on guns and butter, but is committed to long-term change.
So, why has Governor O’Malley failed to attract the following of Iowa Democrats? He has been caught in the middle, pre-empted on the left by Sanders and on the right by Clinton. But, as Iowans we have been given a golden chance to define the merits of candidates running for President of the United States, not politician of the month. So, we are obligated to stand for a candidate that can be President of the United States and succeed in a fall election. Martin O’Malley would make an excellent United States President. As a former mayor and governor he has the executive experience for the job. His positions on Progressive issues are not just talking points. He has made them happen in Baltimore, as mayor, and Maryland, as Governor, testing grounds for his ability to get things done, not just make promises.
The best reason for caucusing for him February 1 is as much tactical as it is based on his stellar qualifications. Iowa Democrats pre-qualify candidates for the New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada contests that quickly follow, allowing a candidate to gain momentum into the March through June primaries. For O’Malley, making a showing in Iowa is critical to his chances. . .
To avoid catastrophe in August, Martin O’Malley must remain viable. He needs enough people to stand for him in each of the precinct caucuses to earn delegates —it just takes a handful. Based on Iowa caucus rules, if a candidate does not muster at least 15% of those attending a caucus, he or she cannot secure a delegate from that precinct to the Iowa conventions where delegates to the national convention will be selected. It is an Iowa Democratic Party process, not a popularity contest and is designed to winnow out “non-viable” candidates. So if 50 people attend your caucus, you need to find 7 others who are willing to give O’Malley a chance and stand with you. If your precinct has earned 5 delegates based on past voting, O’Malley may be able secure at least one of them with 8 of you standing for him.
Martin O’Malley should secure the Democratic nomination because he has the blend of qualifications to make an excellent President without the baggage that could cost the Democrats the White House in 2017 and set America back 50 years. Once Republicans select their candidate they will start attacking Clinton or Sanders, whoever is leading in delegates leading up to the Democratic Convention. National polls could show that neither of them can effectively compete—after all 1/3 of the voters will be Independents. The Democratic Convention could be “brokered” if neither Sanders nor Clinton can gain a majority of delegates. The floor would be open to the best-qualified alternative, with Martin O’Malley everyone’s second choice. That is how Abe Lincoln was catapulted into the Presidency. Just as the World Series may be won or lost by a relief pitcher, Martin O’Malley may be able to save the day. But if O’Malley can’t remain viable, his seat in the dugout may be empty. Democrats cannot afford to put all of their political chances in the Sanders and Clinton baskets, and Iowans can make the difference.
Enough Iowans need to stand for O’Malley to ensure we have the best chance of success in November.'
http://iowadailydemocrat.com/news/2016/01/caucus-for-martin-omalley/
= new reply since forum marked as read
that speaks to Martin's likability and how Iowans very much respect him and like his ideas. Great video in this story too.
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2016/01/19/martin-omalley-trail/78693848/
Just my opinion, but I think the race is so much Sanders v Clinton. That's the way the media plays it. Everyone, especially Iowans who have gotten to know him, just love him. However, based on the polls, they don't think he can win.
We have ten days until the caucuses. A lot usually can and does happen during this time. Hillary really seems to be losing support. It's possible, that if she continues to slide, that O'Malley may pick up some of that support.
Your dedication to your candidate is admirable. He is wonderful, and if I may say, very cute! 
