Howard Dean Not on the Hillary Clinton 2016 Bandwagon

Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, who is well-known nationally for his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination and for leading the Democratic National Committee, told CNN that he is open to making a second presidential bid in 2016. Dean is clearly not happy with Hillary Clinton being the front-runner for the Democratic nomination and is talking up potential liberal challengers -- specifically U.S. Sen. Kirstin Gillibrand of New York and Maryland Gov. Martin OMalley.

Gillibrand seems a bit of a stretch as shes already encouraging Clinton to run. Even if Clinton decides not to run for the Democratic nomination, Gillibrand could face a rival from the Empire State in Gov. Andrew Cuomo who could also be a potential presidential candidate. OMalley seems much more likely to run. The Maryland governor is showing signs of running and could be trying to carve out a niche as the most liberal major candidate angling for the Democratic nomination -- and a top contender to get the support of Dean and like-minded Democrats.

Itll be hard for OMalley or Dean to stop Clinton if she enters the contest and history offers them no consolation. Bill Bradley tried to run to Al Gores left for the Democratic nomination back in 2000 and, while the former senator from New Jersey and New York Knick legend had his moments, Bradleys campaign was somewhat underwhelming. But the likes of OMalley and Dean could still make a little noise on the left and make Clinton work to win the nomination. At the very least, Deans hesitations about Clinton show the first real signs of opposition to her getting the Democratic nomination in 2016.