David Larsen

Party: Democrat.

Age: 66.

Hometown: Yakima. Moved to Coeur d’Alene in 1996 but had spent summers here since 1976.

Personal: Married to Roberta. Three grown children.

Education: Attended Washington State University for two years before enlisting in the U.S. Army. Finished bachelor’s in math education at Central Washington University (Ellensberg). Master’s in educational administration from University of Washington.

Professional: Currently is a North Idaho College adjunct math instructor. Started teaching high school math in 1966. Spent 30 years teaching in Mercer Island, Wash., schools, retiring in 1996.

Political: Ran for the Idaho House in 2004.

First priority: Try to work with fellow legislators to tackle the examination and revision of the state tax system, with special emphasis on eliminating sales tax on food.

Quote: “We need a two-party system to have balance. There are good Republican ideas and there are good Democrat ideas. We’re better off if we meld the two ideas together.”

Party: Republican.

Age: 52.

Hometown: Wallace; now lives in the Coeur d’Alene area.

Personal: Married to Cathyanne.

Education: Attended North Idaho College for two years.

Professional: Worked in the investment and insurance business for 22 years. Currently owns Nonini Financial Services.

Political: Elected to Idaho House in 2004. Kootenai County Republican Central Committee chairman, 1998-May 2004. Idaho State Republican Party chairman, 2002-04. District 4 legislative chairman for the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee, 1994-98.

First priority: Expand the grocery credit and continue push for property tax relief.

Quote: “I’m the only candidate born and raised here in North Idaho. I’ve lived here my whole life and have seen the transition.”