State Sen. Mary Ann Handley, D-Manchester, announced Friday she will not run for another term, leaving the Fourth State Senate district open to a potential  Republican pickup in 2010.

Handley, 73, who was one of  most pro-public sector union legislators at the Capitol, sited long nights of raising taxes and a desire to enjoy more  time in her community. Handley defeated Republican Paul Munns in 1996 by 92 votes and went on to be a reliable vote for the Democratic caucus for seven terms.

The Fourth District includes Manchester, Glastonbury, Marborough and Bolton. Some of the Republicans mentioned as candidates  include  Manchester Mayor Lou Spadaccini, Manchester attorney David Blackwell (2008 candidate), Glastonbury veterinarian Stewart “Chip” Beckett, III, (2006 candidate), Glastonbury Town Council President Sue Karp and State Rep. Pam Sawyer, R- Bolton.