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As He Ponders 2016, O'Malley Begs Off On Criticizing Clinton

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -- Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley has declined to criticize Hillary Rodham Clinton for her exclusive use of private email while serving as secretary of state.

O'Malley is considering a Democratic presidential bid -- as is Clinton.

Reporters asked O'Malley about the email controversy during his appearance Friday at a bookstore in Concord, New Hampshire. The state hosts the nation's first presidential primary.

O'Malley says he doesn't know what rules govern email procedures on the federal level and that he'll leave that to others to explain. Questions have been raised about the legality of her using a private email account.

Instead of criticizing Clinton, O'Malley defended her character, saying that she and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, have always been decent, straight up and honest with him.

(Copyright 2015 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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