Gov. O’Malley: We’re focused on jobs and protecting equal rights for all

On Starting Point, CNN anchor Soledad O’Brien asks Gov. Martin O’Malley (D-MD) if social issues will hurt or help the GOP in the 2012 presidential race.

O’Malley says, “Talking about divisive cultural issues within [GOP] primary process, may help [Republican candidates] within their primary. But it doesn’t help the vast majority of the people of our country, Soledad. What they want to hear about is jobs. How many times did Rick Santorum mention ‘jobs’ in the debate the other night? Zippo, zero, nada. Not once did he mention the word ‘jobs.’ And yet that’s what the vast majority of people who are making a decision about our country’s future in the Fall want to hear.

He continues, “In Maryland, in states that are governed by Democratic governors, we’re focused on jobs. The President’s focused on jobs. Yes, from time to time, we have to confront issues that are potentially divisive or culturally divisive. But we don’t spend a whole lot of time figuring out ways that we can outlaw contraception, outlaw gay relationships, outlaw women’s rights. We’re about jobs and opportunity and protecting equal rights for all.”

Today, Gov. O’Malley will meet with President Obama and other Democratic Governors. Also, he is set to sign the same sex marriage law just passed by the Maryland state senate.

Starting Point with Soledad O’Brien airs week mornings from 7-9am ET on CNN.