Kathie Obradovich

kobradov@dmreg.com

Former Democratic presidential candidate Martin O’Malley will be in Des Moines on Thursday to meet old friends at an informal gathering in Beaverdale.

O’Malley, the former Maryland governor, is expected to attend a reception for friends and supporters of his presidential campaign. The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Saint’s Pub in Beaverdale.

Jake Oeth, former state director of O’Malley’s presidential campaign in Iowa, is hosting the gathering. He said O’Malley is stopping through the state on his way to South Dakota. O’Malley is scheduled to speak at the Democratic state convention there Friday night.

O’Malley campaigned extensively in Iowa before coming in third behind Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders in the Iowa caucuses. O'Malley has endorsed Clinton for president, but Oeth says this is not a campaign event.

“Traveling around the state, you build some good relationships and good friendships with activists and volunteers and supporters and that kind of thing. So it’s just a good opportunity to say hi to folks that he didn’t get to see on caucus night,” Oeth said. “No real agenda, just keeping in touch with folks.”