Manno to challenge Lenett for Senate seat

Roger Manno of Montgomery County is about to become the latest Maryland delegate to launch a primary campaign to unseat the senator in his district.

Manno, a Democrat finishing his first term in the House, used a Tuesday night radio appearance on WPFW 89.3 FM to announce plans to run against Sen. Michael G. Lenett (D-Montgomery) in the September primary. Manno said he plans to kick off his campaign May 16 with a rally at a Silver Spring restaurant.

The announcement ends months of deliberations about Manno's future and adds to the unusual number of intra-party legislative battles shaping up this year.

"I do not enter this race lightly," Manno said in a news release. "Over the past several months I have been approached by many in my legislative district who have expressed their concern that we need a more collaborative type of leadership in Annapolis. We've come a long way in the fight for quality, affordable and accessible health care, a world-class education system, jobs and a strong economy, but I believe we can do better. By bringing people together, we can accomplish great things."

Lenett's focus during his first term in the Senate has included legislation cracking down on distracted driving. He was an outspoken co-sponsor this year of a bill that will make it a secondary offense in Maryland to use a handheld phone while driving.