ethics. Lenett has even attacked Roger Manno's wife Marjorie--a
self-made woman of rare intellect and character, and a true role model.
Lenett has repeatedly made false accusations against the Mannos,
claiming that they "lied under oath" in routine amended financial
filings. This even though Lenett himself was forced to amend his own
filings several times. Running a dirty campaign unprecedented in
Montgomery County, Lenett sent out mailers playing on racist
stereotypes, including a picture suggesting Manno supports gangs like
the Crips. History Professor and Gazette Columnist Allan Lichtman
reported on a separate Lenett "blatant appeal to ethnic prejudice."
Lenett benefited from a swift-boat group and push polling that
dishonestly attacked Roger Manno. Even those familiar with Lenett's past
proclivities are shocked by this ugly, dirty tricks campaign.
Current and former District 19 officials including Hank Heller, Len
Teitelbaum, Carol Petzold, and Adrienne Mandel all endorsed Manno
because he lives up to the tradition of teamwork they established over
76 years of public service--pointing out Lenett fails to meet this
standard. The Gazette reported Lenett is a "divisive force" and one of
the least effective legislators in the entire state--including
Republicans. The Washington Post reported Lenett "undermines his own
effectiveness" by "alienating" his colleagues. Now Lenett's indefensible
campaign tactics are revealing what members of the General Assembly have
known for some time: Mike Lenett is unfit to represent District 19 and
Montgomery County in the State Senate.
Some of this borders on the comic: Lenett claims Manno changed his name
to "cover up" his past as a bass player and bartender. Some is just
strange: Lenett complained Manno's challenge for "his" seat would tip
the Governorship to Republican Bob Erlich when he spoke to our group on
July 6th. Last Spring, Lenett falsely claimed Congresswoman Donna
Edwards and other prominent officials endorsed him. These antics
humiliate and taint those who actually did endorse Lenett. In the
interests of Maryland--especially Montgomery County--and in the name of
basic decency, I call upon all officials and organizations who've
endorsed Lenett to publicly withdraw their support and denounce Lenett's
dirty tricks.
Mike Hersh
Chairperson, Montgomery County Progressive Alliance
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