A businessman who says he had the only legal fireworks stand in Lawrence last year hopes to burst on the local political scene.

Don Johnson, 50, has filed to run in the Republican Party primary for the second senatorial district, which includes the cities of Lawrence and Eudora.

In making his first bid for political office, Johnson faces incumbent state Sen. Mark Buhler, 49, a realtor.

Buhler was selected to the post in 2002 by Douglas County Republican officials to fill the remaining term of Sandy Praeger, who was elected state insurance commissioner.

Johnson and Buhler will face-off in the Aug. 3 primary. No Democrat has filed to run. The deadline for candidates to file is June 10.

Johnson recently sold his company, Johnson Chemical Co., which sold cleaning and business supplies.

He said he had been involved in many additional business ventures, including operating fireworks stands for 17 years.

He said he worked last year with fire officials to put together a stand where he sold items that were allowed under the city’s ban on fireworks.

“I’ve been in business all my life,” he said, noting that at 16 he built bird baths for sale. “I think like a business person.”

Johnson said if elected he planned to “vote the way the people of Lawrence want.”

He said he will put up a Web site soon to gain input from residents on what issues are important to them.

Johnson declined to talk about issues confronting the state, saying his positions will be known as the campaign gets under way.

“I am sincere, and that will come across with what I’m doing. And I think I will make a good senator,” he said.