The past couple of years have left some tarnish on one of Maryland's once-sparkling political leaders.
Martin O'Malley arrived at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston with the swagger of one of the party's young stars, granted a prime speaking spot even though he had backed Howard Dean over nominee John Kerry.
Four years later, things have changed.
O'Malley is a governor, not a mayor, after becoming the only challenger in the nation to defeat an incumbent governor in 2006.
But in just a few months, his approval numbers slipped below 40 percent after pushing a sales tax increase - coupled with spending cuts and a slots plan - to try to solve a festering state budget mess.
Then he supported Hillary Clinton in the primaries, appearing to buck the desires of his constituents in a state that went heavily for Barack Obama.
So he arrived in Denver this week with relatively little fanfare for someone who many believe has nurtured aspirations for higher office.
Yesterday, 10 of the nation's 28 Democratic governors were given time on the stage inside Denver's Pepsi Center.
But not O'Malley. The omission reflects his early support of Hillary Clinton, and the fact that his home state of Maryland is not in play.
"If you miss the train leaving the station, you have to dig a little deeper for a ticket," said Herbert C. Smith, a political science professor at McDaniel College in Westminster.
He may be the highest-profile Marylander without a featured role. Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski and Reps. Steny H. Hoyer and Chris Van Hollen were speakers last night, and Rep. Elijah E. Cummings goes tonight.
O'Malley accepts his fate.
"There were a lot of people who supported Senator Obama early, and I was not one of them," the governor said. "He understandably feels an amount of loyalty and obligation, I am sure, to make sure that they are given an opportunity - especially if they risked a lot politically by coming out early for him."
O'Malley's challenge now is to recast his image, from young star to competent manager of the type that goes on to be mentioned as a national figure. Raising taxes was the responsible thing to do, he has argued in op-ed pieces that have appeared in national newspapers, a line echoed by many of his supporters.
"Four years ago he was a .400 hitter in Triple-A ball. Now he's batting .285 in the big leagues," said state Sen. Brian E. Frosh, a Montgomery County Democrat.
