MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) - Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley says many Americans living in cities are worse off than they were eight years ago, and Democrats in Washington wasted a chance to stop that from happening.
The former Baltimore mayor is considering a run against Hillary Rodham Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination.
In New Hampshire on Wednesday, O'Malley did not did not mention President Barack Obama by name. But he said pointedly that opportunities were lost over the last eight years. Democrats, he said, failed to make investments in cities when they controlled the White House and Congress.
O'Malley says people frequently tell him they want new leadership.
And he says Baltimore's riots should serve as a reminder of lingering poverty in cities.
O'Malley And Baltimore
O'Malley's record as Baltimore's mayor has faced scrutiny since rioting broke out in the city following the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray in police custody.
O'Malley has defended his work to curb violent crime in Baltimore and has called it a "wake-up call" for the nation.
Clinton has been locking up support from top New Hampshire Democrats. Her campaign says it has recruited about 1,000 volunteers in the state.
O'Malley says he will decide soon if he will make a run for the presidency.
