Magazine gives O'Malley a timely nod

Here's something you're certain to hear about next year on the campaign trail: Governing magazine has chosen Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) as one of its "Public Officials of the Year."

O'Malley, who graces the cover, is one of eight honorees cited by the wonkish publication as "proven leaders for times such as these."

O'Malley's profile plays up his advocacy of data-driven government. That started during his tenure as mayor of Baltimore, when O'Malley created CitiStat. StateStat and other similar efforts have accompanied O'Malley to Annapolis since 2007.

"O'Malley has energized moribund efforts to reduce pollution in Chesapeake Bay by creating 'BayStat,'" says the magazine, which also presents a Q&A with the governor.

Though the magazine makes it to few coffee tables in Maryland, it isn't difficult to imagine the "Public Official of the Year" distinction getting a prominent mention when O'Malley is introduced as he campaigns for re-election next year.

Let the Republican rebuttal begin.

The full story is available here.