O'Malley: Next Year's Opponent 'Beyond My Control'

Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) said he is making no assumptions about who he will face in next year's election.

With former governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R) continuing to weigh a rematch, O'Malley said in an interview that he is preparing for a tough fight, regardless of whom the Republicans nominate.

"I don't really game out or concern myself with factors beyond my control," O'Malley said. "The only assumption we make is that it will be a hard-fought campaign, whoever their nominee is."

O'Malley said he thinks voters will decide who seems most capable of leading the state during tough fiscal times.

Four years ago at this point, O'Malley and Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan (D) were fully engaged in a bruising, high-profile Democratic primary. In January 2006 -- the equivalent of a little more than three months from now -- O'Malley reported $4.2 million in the bank, while Duncan had $1.4 million. Ehrlich was sitting on $8.4 million.

So far this cycle, O'Malley is the only gubernatorial candidate who has been engaged in serious fundraising efforts.