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This story was updated at 9 a.m. on Aug. 14, 2010.

Mike Lenett says he wants to continue the fight against special interests and lobbyist groups as he seeks a second term in the State Senate for District 19.

Lenett said he wants to focus on economic opportunity, providing affordable health care and other essential services for at-risk populations, maintaining quality education in kindergarten through grade 12 and college, and improving the environment by promoting renewable energy, mass transit and open space preservation.

For health care, Lenett said he wants to extend Medicaid for individuals and small businesses and extend coverage in prescription drug premiums and coverage cap costs for seniors.

If re-elected, Lenett said he would work to pass a bill in the Senate next year that would prohibit employers from using credit reports in denying jobs and develop incentives for businesses to hire those who are unemployed.  

"This has been a very cruel and unfair practice that has prevented us from hastening our exit from the recession," Lenett said, "and it is also a practice that's been applied discriminatorily against minorities, seniors and women primarily."

Originally from New York City, Lenett graduated magna cum laude from Brandeis University with a bachelor's degree in American studies in 1984, a master's degree in American government and law degree from Georgetown University in 1988, and a master of law degree in securities regulation from Georgetown University in 1992.

Prior to office, Lenett said he was a consumer protection attorney and served as senior special counsel in the Office of the General Counsel of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and counsel to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee.

Lenett was elected to the State Senate in 2006, beating out longtime Dels. Adrienne A. Mandel (D) of Layhill and Carol S. Petzold (D) of Aspen Hill for the District 19 seat.

During his first term in office, Lenett said he worked with Gov. Martin O'Malley to remove firearms for those who were subject to protective orders of domestic violence. He said he collaborated with Sen. Norman R. Stone Jr. (D-Dist. 6) of Dundalk and Sen. Jennie Forehand (D-Dist. 17) of Rockville to pass legislation banning the use of handheld cell phones and text messaging while driving, which will take effect Oct. 1. He also worked with Del. Maggie McIntosh (D-Dist. 43) of Baltimore, who he said helped strategize and plan the bill.

Lenett said the difference between him and his opponent, Del. Roger Manno (D-Dist. 19), is effectiveness and leadership. 

"I think leadership takes teamwork, but it also takes the ability to take big fights to the next level," he said.

Lenett has been endorsed by Gov. Martin O'Malley (D), Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown (D), Sarah and Jim Brady of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, State Sen. Robert J. Garagiola (D-Dist. 15) of Germantown and from organizations such as the League of Conservation Voters and Montgomery County Education Association.

District 19 includes all or parts of Aspen Hill, Layhill, Olney, Wheaton, Kemp Mill, Four Corners, Laytonsville and Gaithersburg.

-Residence: Silver Spring

-Age: 48

-Party: Democrat

-Education: Bachelor's degree in American Studies, minor in legal studies, 1984, magna cum laude from Brandeis University; master's degree in American Government and law degree from Georgetown University, 1988; master of law in securities regulation, Georgetown University, 1992

-Work experience: Consumer protection attorney; counsel, United States Senate Judiciary Committee; senior special counsel, Securities and Exchange Commission; adjunct professor, The National Law Center, George Washington University

-Family: Wife, Kriszti, and two sets of twins, David and Aron, 20, and Jason and Sabrina, 7

-Top three issues: Affordable health care; maintaining quality K-12 and college education; improving environment through renewable energy; mass transit and open space preservation; and economic opportunity

-Campaign funds: $200,000 in account, Lenett reports; according to January filing with State Board of Elections, Lenett contributed $180,000 to his own campaign

-Previous political experience: District 19 State Senate, elected 2006; member of the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee, 2002 to 2006

-Other affiliations: Board member, Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children; board member, B'nai B'rith Homecrest House; member, Temple Shalom; member, Kiwanis Club; Founding board member, Family Learning Solutions

-Website: www.MikeLenett.com