Mary Hoyer

Congratulations and thank you to Des Moines County Chair Sandy Dockendorff, who, in spite of her position as chair of one of the most important committees on the Iowa Democratic Party State Central Committee, made the courageous decision ― for the good of the party, and for our country ― to publicly endorse Gov. Martin O’Malley.

You might think from the major news media that there are only two Democratic candidates. We are writing to remind you that there are in fact three. Although county chairs often feel that they should remain neutral, because of the importance of this election, not only Sandy, but other chairs here in the Second District have also decided to publicly endorse a candidate — Governor O’Malley.

We are people who have agreed to be the (unpaid) leaders of our local parties. In this role we have all looked closely at all of the candidates, at their leadership on issues that matter to us, and most important, on what they have been able to accomplish as leaders.

As Tim Tracy, a chair outside the Second District, explains: Throughout the Iowa caucus season, one thing has become clear: America wants an end to gridlock in Washington, D.C. Only one candidate has a demonstrated track record of bringing people from different viewpoints together to get things done, and this is Governor O’Malley.

When you look at his record as mayor, and the two terms as governor of Maryland, O’Malley has shown just how much he embodies the hopes and aspirations of all of us and even more important, how he has brought people together to deliver on challenging issues.

He is the right leader for right now: We want the economy to be fair and opportunity to be open to all. We want a fair election system that takes the influence of the affluent and arrogant out of our process. We all want to be treated with respect and dignity. We want to be safe. We want to live in peace and security. And most of all we need our leaders to work together to solve our problems and create a brighter future.

O’Malley has shown, year after year, that his core values are our values. He leads by principle. He has shown the ability to take successful action on even the toughest issues, and has done so with bipartisan support. People rally around him because he calls on the best qualities of our people to do the things we know in our collective heart to be right.

This election is not just about Democrats, it’s about all of us, as Americans, coming together, rather than being dragged further apart.

That is a future that Martin O’Malley can and will deliver as president of the United States.

On Feb. 1, Iowa Democrats start the process of picking our best candidate to win the general election, not just the nomination. We have a big decision to make. We have to move beyond nostalgia or some momentarily fashionable populism, and instead ask: Who is the candidate who will be able to lead on our progressive values? Who will be the best messenger for Democrats in the general election? Who will appeal to Americans from all walks of life? And, most important, who can stop the gridlock in Washington, and get things done?

Here in the Second District, we agree with Sandy and with Tim: We believe that when anyone ― in either party ― takes a serious look at the way that Governor O’Malley has worked to break down bureaucratic fiefdoms, worked with legislators on both sides of the aisle, worked directly with community members, brought people together to solve problems ― they will also support him for president.

―​ Larry Hodgden, chair, Cedar County; Jordan Pope, chair, Decatur County; Mary Hoyer, chair, Henry County; Taylor Van De Krol, chair, Jasper County; Joe Judge, chair, Monroe County; Melinda Jones, chair, Wapello County; Bob Thomas, chair, Appanoose County