Donald E. ‘Sam’ Sears

Resume: Democrat, 66, retired … Graduate of North Idaho College, U.S. Air Force photographer for 20 years … Worked at U.S. Forest Service nursery for 20 years … Lost 1995 bid for Coeur d’Alene City Council … Active in Veterans of Foreign Wars, past president of national children’s home … Chairman, governor’s Veterans Affairs Commission … Married, two children.

Finances: $2,579 total receipts, including $500 personal loan. Top contributors: PAC for Education, Boise, $1,000; Laborers International of America Local 238, Spokane, $300.

Why running: “To help balance the scales between the parties in the Republican-dominated Legislature; to fight for issues important to me, such as education.”

What will do first: Would work to lower property taxes by expanding homeowner’s exemption, seek state contribution to school construction.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo