Gov. O'Malley Exploring 2016 Run

Would be a long shot with Clinton and Biden also in the race

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — His latest legislative achievements put him in the vanguard of his party's liberal base. He's been a top fundraiser for President Barack Obama. And he's ramping up his travel to help fellow Democrats around the country.

Little-known outside his home state, Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley has methodically checked the necessary boxes toward earning the reputation of good Democratic soldier as he considers whether to run for president in 2016 — a White House bid that would face long odds.