Palin bucks ex-governor, congressman by endorsing largely unknown candidate in Md. gov’s race

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Palin backs largely unknown candidate for Md. gov

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is endorsing a largely unknown candidate in the race for the GOP nomination for Maryland governor.

The former governor of Alaska threw her support behind Brian Murphy in an endorsement announced Wednesday on her Facebook page, bucking a chance to support former congressman and ex-Gov. Robert Ehrlich.

Palin praises Murphy for being a common sense conservative and a firm believer in the free market.

She also mentions that Murphy is a former energy industry executive and current small business owner with private sector experience needed in government.

Ehrlich became the first Republican Maryland governor in 36 years when he won in 2002. He was defeated by Gov. Martin O’Malley in 2006.