Martin O'Malley Officially Suspends Presidential Bid

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Iowa spells the end of former governor Martin O'Malley's run for president.

Political reporter Pat Warren has more on his decision to suspend his campaign.

Despite his best efforts, Maryland's former governor was a distant third. And with less than one percent of the vote, he pulled away.

Eight months ago Martin O'Malley stood on Federal Hill and confidently announced his plans for the future of America. He stood his ground in debates against frontrunners Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders through the course of the campaign--but it was a fight he couldn't win.

"And I know those numbers don't reflect all of the hard work that you did, but we have driven this debate. And so tonight, I have to tell you that I am suspending this presidential bid, but I am not ending this fight," O'Malley said.

So what's next for Martin O'Malley?

"He could become a Cabinet secretary, even though he said he doesn't want to," said Don Norris, director, UMBC piblic policy. "But if the president calls, it's awfully hard to say no. I think he would be a terrific Cabinet secretary. He could take transportation, he could take HUD, he could take Homeland Security."

And if the next president is Hillary Clinton...

"I wish Governor O'Malley the very best. He's a great public servant who has served Maryland and our country," Clinton said.

Not forgetting that President Obama appointed his primary opponent Secretary of State.

O'Malley's resources have also been stretched thin. He recently took out a $500,000 loan, and some staffers were reportedly working without pay.

The former Maryland governor was unable to poll in the double digits through the course of the campaign.