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Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley Joins Presidential Race

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley entered the Democratic presidential race on Saturday in a longshot challenge to Hillary Rodham Clinton for the 2016 nomination, casting himself as a new generation leader who would rebuild the economy and reform Wall Street.

O'Malley made the announcement at a rally in Baltimore.

"The presidency is not a crown to be passed back and forth by you between two royal families. It is a sacred trust," he said. "And that is why today, to you and to all who can hear my voice, I declare that I am a candidate for president of the United States.

Following his announcement, O'Malley promptly headed to Iowa, where he is seeking to become the primary alternative to Clinton in the leadoff caucus state.

Clinton, who is the dominant figure in the Democratic primary, tweeted "Welcome to the race, Gov. O'Malley. Looking forward to discussing strong families and communities."

O'Malley, who will appear in New Hampshire Sunday, remains largely unknown in a field dominated by Clinton. The only other Democrat challenging Clinton is Brooklyn native Bernie Sanders, now a senator in Vermont.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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