Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley picks up easy win in Democratic primary; likely to face Ehrlich

Md. Gov. Martin O’Malley wins Democratic primary

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley has won the Democratic primary with ease in his bid for a second term.

O’Malley defeated little-known candidates J.P. Cusick and Ralph Jaffe on Tuesday to win the nomination.

O’Malley, whose first term has been hampered by the recession and the need for repeated budget cuts, is expected to have a rematch with Republican former Gov. Robert Ehrlich in November.

O’Malley has been touting record investments in education despite tough economic times during his tenure.

He also says Maryland has weathered the recession better than most other states. He notes Maryland is one of only eight states to have a triple-A bond rating, a sign of fiscal confidence from financial rating agencies.