Party: Democrat.

Age: 53.

Hometown: Raised in Spokane, moved to Post Falls in 1988.

Personal: Married to Peggy. No children, but raised niece and nephew. Currently raising great-nephews.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in education with focus on biology and chemistry from Eastern Washington University, 1978. Master’s degree in education administration from University of Idaho, 1996.

Professional: Canfield Middle School earth science teacher for 29 years.

Political: Ran for the Idaho House (District 5) in 2002 and 2004. Served various positions for the Coeur d’Alene Education Association, including president and chief negotiator. Served as an Idaho Education Association board member since 1991. Founding member and past president of the Idaho Education Association’s Children Fund, a statewide charity.

First Priority: Eliminate the sales tax on groceries.

Quote: “Public education should be free and available to everybody. It needs a higher level of funding.”

Party: Republican.

Age: 83.

Hometown: Rochester, Wis.

Personal: Engaged to Betty Nelson. Five grown children, nine grandchildren.

Education: Attended University of Idaho but never graduated because he joined the Illinois National Guard.

Professional: Economic development consultant to government and industry in developing countries; former owner/publisher of Post Falls Tribune; former advertising manager and marketing director for international pharmaceutical makers; former Panhandle Area Council chairman; former director of Coeur d’Alene Tribe Development Corp.

Political: Post Falls mayor 1980-83; Kootenai County commissioner 1983-91.

First Priority: Exempt long-term homeowners from tax increases.

Quote: “I simply have the experienced background that provides a very comprehensive resource for a huge number of issues.”