Patty Murray (D)
Personal: Age 48. Born in Seattle. Former community college instructor, school board member, state senator 1988-92. Elected to U.S. Senate, 1992. Serves on Appropriations, Budget, Labor and Human Services and Veterans Affairs committees. Married, two children.
Education: Bachelor of arts, Washington State University.
Finances: $4.5 million in contributions as of Oct. 15, about 15 percent from political action committees.