Less than a week after floating his name for the job, former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley said Wednesday he will not run to lead the Democratic National Committee.
"While I'm grateful to the supportive friends who have urged me to consider running for DNC chair, I will not be seeking our party's chairmanship," O'Malley said in an email to supporters. "The DNC needs a chair who can do the job fully and with total impartiality.
O'Malley said Friday he was taking a "hard look" at the job. His decision Wednesday likely reflects a lack of support. Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison has managed to capture the backing from several party leaders even before he formally announced his candidacy.
The party chairman is a post that takes on added significance when the opposite party controls the White House. The chair of the out-of-power party plays an especially important role in messaging and organizing for the next election.