DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) — Martin O’Malley promptly brought his Democratic presidential campaign to Iowa, offering himself to voters in the leadoff caucus state as a leader who will create jobs and opportunity. He announced his bid for the presidency earlier in the day in Baltimore.

O’Malley spoke to more than 50 people crowded into a union hall in Davenport Saturday afternoon. He touted his record as governor of Maryland and mayor of Baltimore, talking about raising the minimum wage and investing in education.

O’Malley has made several appearances in Iowa this year, has two paid staffers in the state and plans to add more. He made four trips last year and dispatched 14 staffers to work on state campaigns. He was scheduled to speak in Des Moines later in the day.

O’Malley supporters hope Iowa can help him become the main alternative to front-runner Hillary Rodham Clinton.

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