District 19 Senate challenger Roger Manno sent the following email to his supporters after winning what was unquestionably one of the toughest primaries in the state.
Our Sincerest Thanks
Dear friends, neighbors, and family:
On behalf of our family and campaign, thank you so much for your support these last few months, and for your efforts towards our success in the Democratic Primary for State Senate.
This primary election, as all others, challenged voters and candidates to consider the state of our community, our leadership, and to search our ideas, hearts and dreams to move us forward.
To all who took a role in this election – our friends, supporters, families, community leaders, and neighbors – thank you for believing in something bigger than the sum of us. For those who could not be with us this time, please know that we appreciate the participation and important role that you continue to play in our community – and we look forward to our work together.
All of us should be thankful to Senator Lenett for his work on behalf of our community these last 4 years. Senator Lenett has distinguished himself as a person of energy and ideas — and I am grateful for his offer of support and assistance as we move forward.
I’d also like to offer my sincerest congratulations to Bonnie Cullison, Sam Arora, and my dear friend and colleague, Ben Kramer, for their success in the Democratic Primary. And to all the candidates — Jay Hutchins, Hoan Dang, Vivian Scretchen, and out Democratic Nominees, we are all honored that they ran spirited issue-based campaigns that have traditionally been a hallmark of contests in the 19th Legislative District.
In addition, it has been an unprecedented honor and opportunity for me to have served these last 4 years with Delegate Hank Heller. Delegate Heller (“Uncle Hank”) has been the 19th District’s longest serving legislator, who has worked day and night for 24 years to advance the interests and progress of our great district, county and state. Beyond this, Delegate Heller has been a coach and mentor to many of us who serve this district in the legislature. While his departure is a loss for our community, his work continues as one of our district’s most honorable and learned trustees.
Finally, while this election was particularly difficult, last night’s State Senate primary outcome marks the beginning of our work as Democrats, and not the end. It is my greatest hope that Democrats join together to support the 19th District Democratic Team of nominees Ben Kramer, Bonnie Cullison, Sam Arora and myself, and that you support our team of Democratic leaders, including Ike Leggett, Martin O’Malley, Anthony Brown, Barbara Mikulski, Peter Franchot, and Doug Gansler, and all of our Democratic county candidates in the General Election in November. And if you live in Congressional District 8, as Marge and I do, we hope that you will do all that you can to ensure the continuing service of Congressman Chris Van Hollen – one of the hardest working public servants we know.
Thank you again for your support, consideration, and for the honor that you have given me to serve our community in public office.
With deep gratitude,
Roger Manno