Boston Baltimore mayor Martin O’Malley endorsed Howard Dean for president shortly before Christmas 2003, but tonight he will deliver a 1,000 word pre-primetime speech at the Democratic convention on the financial burden of homeland security in big cities. Since September 11, 2001, O’Malley has made this his hot button issue, campaigning for matching funds from the federal government to help cities recoup the costs of higher security.
Five years ago, O’Malley was an undistinguished Baltimore city councilman. When he ran for mayor in 1999 his appeal was obvious. His charm was likened to that of a Kennedy. He’s young and attractive with strong features and thick brown hair, an Irish-Catholic with a pretty wife and a gaggle of cute kids. He’s even the frontman for a Celtic rock band called O’Malley’s March.
