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O’MALLEY: LOCAL RACES MATTER. Former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley made his second visit to the state in three months Wednesday. He told New Hampshire Primary Source that he’s still considering a presidential run in 2020, but is keenly focused on local and state races across the country.O’Malley launched a volunteer canvass for Democratic state Senate candidate Kevin Cavanaugh in Manchester, and then stopped by the Shaskeen restaurant downtown. He later made a visit to Executive Councilor Chris Pappas’ Backroom restaurant, where he met with several Democratic lawmakers and officials.“I’m enjoying helping state and local parties and people who have the guts to run for state senator and state representative,” O’Malley said. He said Democrats have performed strongly in special elections across the country.“I’m encouraged by what I’m seeing,” he said, “and part of my mantra is that if we’re going to govern the United States, first we’re going to have to govern our own states. The cool thing about New Hampshire is its affinity for town hall-style politics and the closeness to the people, and I think Kevin Cavanaugh is the ideal candidate for these times and for this district.”“He has been on the front lines of fighting the heroin crisis,” O’Malley said. He said that Cavanaugh, as a longtime communications worker, currently for FairPoint Communications, “has worked in a changing industry his whole life. He is perfect for this district.”As for his own political future, O’Malley said running for president, “is still a possibility. I just might. But right now my main focus is on the mid-terms and on doing everything I can to help the party. I’m going to places where the potential for blue is abundant. The party is remaking itself from the grassroots up, not based on some highly paid consultants. And state parties are playing a bigger role than ever.”