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For O’Malley, a lot riding on Iowa in 2016 campaign

FILE - In this April 9, 2015 file photo, former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley greets local residents before speaking at a fundraiser in Indianola, Iowa. O'Malley has spent months investing in Iowa, aiming to repeat the trick pulled by Barack Obama in 2008, when the then-underdog upstart challenger to favorite Hillary Rodham Clinton won the state's caucuses and began his march to the Democratic presidential nomination. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File) FILE - In this April 9, 2015 file photo, former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley greets local residents before speaking at a fundraiser in Indianola, Iowa. O'Malley has spent months investing in Iowa, aiming to repeat the trick pulled by Barack Obama in 2008, when the then-underdog upstart challenger to favorite Hillary Rodham Clinton won the state's caucuses and began his march to the Democratic presidential nomination. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

By Associated Press May 29, 2015 1 min read

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Martin O’Malley is returning to the state that introduced him to presidential politics three decades ago, when he played guitar and knocked on doors for Gary Hart.

This time he’ll be in Iowa as a Democratic presidential candidate, if he announces a White House bid Saturday as expected.

Iowa could well determine whether O’Malley’s longshot challenge to Hillary Rodham Clinton for the Democratic nomination takes roots or fades away.

The former two-term Maryland governor has been well received in recent trips to Iowa and New Hampshire. But Clinton holds a commanding advantage. And O’Malley faces competition for liberal support from Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in the nomination race.

O’Malley is making his announcement in Baltimore, where he served as mayor, before campaigning in Iowa later Saturday.