Former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley spoke to a standing room only crowd of approximately 80 people at Peace Tree Brewing in Knoxville on Saturday.

The Democrat stressed the importance of the Iowa caucuses, saying Iowans sitting down with candidates and making decisions about their individual merit counters the influence of big money in politics. He stressed his success in Maryland that helped to create some of the best schools in the country, downsized the executive branch, created STEM jobs, raised the minimum wage, reduced income inequality, and increased voting rights.

O’Malley believes his strong record shows his readiness to be President of the United States.