opinion

Column: O’Malley is only candidate with record of actions

While Gov. Martin O’Malley has made 20 trips to Iowa since April, his sterling debate performance last month and fiery speech at the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner were really his introduction to millions of Americans. And what an introduction it was!

What a surprise it must have been for many to realize this is a three-person race for the Democratic nomination, not a battle only between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.

As a big-city mayor and two-term governor with 15 years of executive experience he brings a fresh perspective based on his record of getting things done. And as someone with political independence and a record of following his principles — not polls — Martin O’Malley is the best choice to be our Democratic nominee.

As we look ahead to the second debate at Drake on Saturday, the choice between the candidates will become even clearer. We need new leadership, and someone who can actually deliver results.

O’Malley served as mayor of Baltimore for seven years, having to grapple with the myriad problems of urban life on a daily basis and find solutions to those challenges. As governor, he brought people together from both parties to achieve progressive results: passing strict gun safety legislation, repealing the death penalty, adopting marriage equality, raising the minimum wage, and investing in education to make Maryland public schools number one in the country for five years in a row.

We need new courageous leadership, not only to take on the NRA and stand up to Wall Street, but to move this country forward and start getting things done again. The American people want a president who will lead, to revitalize the middle class, rein in Wall Street greed and curtail the murderous availability of assault weapons. That’s Martin O’Malley.

O’Malley has made Iowa a central part of his campaign, focusing on grassroots organizing — the same way we did when we first worked together years ago on Gary Hart’s come-from-behind campaign.

I’m so proud that the Americans and Iowans are finally getting to see the Martin O’Malley I have known for years as a principled man, collaborative leader, and someone who delivers results.

In the 2008 presidential cycle, Sen. Barack Obama argued for a new generation of leadership, and Iowans made his election possible. As Iowans, we can play that role again in 2016.

This is a critical moment in our nation’s history. President Obama — a truly transformative president — saved us from a total economic collapse and delivered on important priorities like Obamacare. We are again at a political crossroads. It is time to move on; it is time for a new generation to lead the Democratic Party and our country.

With major challenges facing our country, and more urgency even than in 2008 as we fight to make wages rise again, it is time to move on from leaders of the past and architects of Wall Street deregulation; it is time for a new generation to lead the Democratic Party.

For all the combined experience of those considered the frontrunners in our party, none on that stage other than Governor O’Malley has been an executive in charge, working day in and day out deliver results. While others may profess progressive values, they all hold the perspective of the last generation instead of the executive experience to back up their vision for how build a better future.

This election provides an opportunity for our Democratic Party to unshackle itself from the past and look to new, executive leadership for the myriad challenges facing the country in a still-new century.

There will be only one candidate on that debate stage who will provide new, principled leadership: Gov. Martin O’Malley.

GEORGE APPLEBY is a Des Moines lawyer and state co-chairman of Martin O'Malley's campaign. Contact: appleby@carneyappleby.com