Maryland's governor is inviting yet another round of speculation about presidential ambitions with this latest scheduling announcement: He's going to Iowa.
Martin O'Malley, a Democrat, is billed as the "special guest" at the 35th annual Iowa "steak fry" -- a high dollar fundraising event for Democratic Iowa Senator Tom Harkin. The all day event is set for Sept. 16. The "suggested contribution" is $5,000.
Presidential contenders typically lavish attention on the Hawkeye State, which holds the first nominating contests of the cycle.
O'Malley started his summer with a speech to Democratic party faithful in New Hampshire, a state he's visited several times as governor and which holds the first-in-the-nation primary election. He's also formed a federal fundraising committee, memorably named the O Say Can You See-PAC, and has been a regular commentator on national political talk shows.
The governor, 49, brushes off questions about any presidential ambitions as premature. He is term-limited and will have to leave office in January 2015.
