Two well-known Maryland lawmakers -- state Sens. Leo E. Green (D-Prince George's) and Sharon M. Grosfeld (D-Montgomery) -- announced yesterday that they will not seek reelection.
Green, who represents District 23, will end a 31-year career in the General Assembly, the past 26 years in the Senate.
He said the decision to retire at the end of his term in November came during the planning of his 50th wedding anniversary recently. "I asked my children what to get Mom. They said, 'Dad, you know what she wants.' "
Green, 74, a lawyer, said he would spend more time with his family and continue practicing law. "After 30-some years in public office, it's going to be different for me."
A longtime fixture in county and state politics, Green first ran for office to become mayor of Bowie, serving for four years. He was then elected to the House of Delegates, where he represented District 24 for one term.
In an interview, he counted a bill that required votes to be recorded in the House among his victories. Among his losses was a proposal 10 years ago to allow Prince George's County, with voter approval, to impose a 1 percent sales tax atop the 5 percent state tax to finance school construction.
Several delegates have expressed interest in Green's seat, including Marvin Holmes (D-Prince George's). Prince George's County Council member Douglas J.J. Peters (D-Bowie) has indicated interest in the seat in the past.
"He's not only been a great friend, but a great advocate for Prince George's County," said Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D), who represents parts of Calvert and Prince George's. "Leo was a progressive, even when it wasn't popular to be a progressive."
Grosfeld, 49, a lawyer, is also considered among the most progressive members of the legislature. She has built a reputation in Annapolis as a strong advocate for social justice, environmental and woman's rights issues. She was the sponsor of a bill this year that would have made it easier for women to receive emergency contraception from a pharmacist. It was narrowly defeated.
Because she represented the solidly Democratic District 18, which includes Chevy Chase, Wheaton and Kensington, Grosfeld appeared to be headed for easy reelection this year. But she said she was "ready to try something new," possibly "on a more international scale."
"I am at a point in life where I will be an empty nester in the fall. Both of my kids will be out of the house, and I am still relatively young, so perhaps it's time to pursue other interests and avenues," Grosfeld said. "I would like to do more traveling, and I just hope my constituents will feel I have served them ably."
Grosfeld said she would support Del. Richard S. Madaleno Jr. (D), who is expected to enter the race to succeed her. If elected, Madaleno would be the first openly gay member of the Senate.
In 1994, Grosfeld was elected to the House of Delegates, where she served two terms before replacing Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), who ran successfully for Congress, in the Maryland Senate.
Although she missed some Senate votes because she was battling breast cancer, Grosfeld said her health was "absolutely perfect" and played no role in her decision to retire.
Grosfeld becomes the second senator from Montgomery to announce retirement. Last month, Sen. Leonard H. Teitelbaum (D), who represents parts of Olney, Aspen Hill and Laytonsville, said he was retiring.
