ANNAPOLIS, Md. — President Barack Obama has named Gov. Martin O’Malley co-chair of the Council of Governors.

The announcement was made Monday.

The council includes 10 governors, including five Democrats and five Republicans. It brings together governors and federal officials to address issues relating to the National Guard and homeland security.

O’Malley, a Democrat, was first appointed to the Council in 2010. Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, a Republican, is the co-chair of the council.

O’Malley also is co-chair of the National Governors Association Special Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety.

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