Washington (CNN) -- Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley is laying the groundwork for a presidential campaign with the intent of being ready should Hillary Clinton not run, a source close to the governor told CNN. O'Malley amplified 2016 speculation when he told the Washington Post last week that he can't wait for the former first lady and secretary of state to make a decision. He told CNN on Monday that he was working toward offering "a better direction for our country." Sounds like he's planning to go for it, right? Not quite. O'Malley is angling to be the person who could step in should Clinton decide to forgo a second White House candidacy.
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Maryland governor laying the groundwork for a presidential run in case Hillary Clinton doesn't run
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Clinton is odds-on favorite to capture the Democratic nomination at the moment
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Head-to-head, O'Malley dwarfed by Clinton's name recognition, fundraising prowess
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He supported her strongly in 2008 when she lost nomination to Barack Obama
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And that may be with good reason, as an @placeholder vs. Clinton race would likely be an uphill slog for the governor.
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Note, Clinton was the heavy favorite in 2008 only to be overtaken by @placeholder.
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But no one in the potential Democratic field is seen at this early moment as electrifying and transformational as @placeholder was that year.
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Instead of stoking speculation, the source said @placeholder is being a good party man.
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He's helping President @placeholder's initiatives, helping to build infrastructure for 2014 and supporting candidates as he travels the country.
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Politics: If @placeholder were to run, he'd be running from the left of the Democratic Party.
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For the past eight years, O'Malley has led @placeholder as a proud liberal.
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During the 2008 primaries -- which pitted Clinton against then-Sen. Barack Obama -- @placeholder was outspoken and raised a substantial amount of money.