Analysis: Exit avoids bitter primary

A fiercely fought and potentially damaging Democratic primary campaign for governor came to an abrupt and unexpected end Thursday as Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan gave up his battle against Mayor Martin O?Malley to fight depression.

To the chattering class who filled the talk radio airwaves Thursday, today marks the beginning of the general election campaign. O?Malley can now focus his efforts and his war chest exclusively onRepublican Gov. Robert Ehrlich, pointed out Democratic Party Chairman Terry Lierman.