Democrat

Age: 32. (06/12/80, did not respond).

Arizona since: did not respond.

Occupation: CEO and co-founder, CM Concordia Consulting, LLC, since 2010.

Marital: Single.

Education: M.P.P. (emphasis in education), Brown University, 2011; B.A., international studies & Spanish, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, 2002.

Memberships: Anytown AZ Bd, Flinn Brown Fellow, Brown Alumni Assn, AmeriCorps Alumni Assn, American Red Cross Disaster Action Team.

Interests: Hiking, cooking, and traveling.

Political influence: There is not one person but many who have illuminated how the government affects our lives. I have learned from single moms, first generation college graduates, visionary elected officials, heartbroken military families, sage grandparents and many others. They have all influenced how I see my community.

Job creation measures: It is important to not just create jobs, but to create quality jobs that are sustainable for the future of Arizona. In order to do this, I will prioritize job growth in renewable energies/green technology and the biosciences. Additionally, I will primarily focus on supporting small and medium-sized business, which are more likely to create jobs in Arizona.

Top Issues: It is paramount for our Legislature to concentrate on quality jobs growth and education in Arizona. These two issues are inextricably linked and have been very much neglected in these past few years of recession.

Prop 100 sales tax extension: Education should be a top priority for everyone in Arizona. It is the foundation of every healthy, competitive and successful society. Unfortunately, we have been unable to rely on the Legislature to support our schools. I don’t think that sales tax is the best way to fund education. Given the Legislature’s track record on education, I understand why Arizona voters feel that additional measures must be taken. In the long term, I hope to find a stable and equitable source of funding for our schools, but I think the people of Arizona will choose to make the hard decision in November that the Legislature refuses to.

Illegal immigration: We have a responsibility as legislators to inform the federal government on immigration issues in our border state as well as appeal to them for comprehensive reform to address the issue. Ultimately, immigration enforcement is the constitutional responsibility of the federal government.

Background & experience: I am a small business owner with a Master’s in public policy who has worked in all three sectors of society: business, government and non-profit. I have both provided and received public services so I am keenly aware of the impact they have on our society. Ultimately, I want to pay forward to current and future generations what our parents and grandparents provided for us.

Pro-life / pro-choice: I believe that medical decisions should be made by a patient, his or her doctor and loved ones, not the government.

One last thing: I have the vision, fortitude and experience to make responsible decisions that improve the lives of all Arizonans. I hope to achieve even more success in the Legislature than I have in my own life overcoming many obstacles, by expecting more of myself and of others.

Campaign finance: private.

Democrat

Age: 64. (01/14/48, Roblecito, Venezuela).

Arizona since: 1969.

Occupation: Retired since 2006; freelance photojournalist since 2006.

Marital: Divorced..

Children: 2.

Education: M.B.A., Univ of Phoenix, 2001; B.A., int’l relations, UofA, 1972.

Political experience: Tucson City Council, 1987-1995.

Legis exp: House since 2011; House 1975-1977.

Interests: Photography.

Political influence: Morris K. Udall.

Job creation measures: Tax incentives and infrastructure projects.

Top Issues: Adequate and fully restored funding for public education K-12 and the universities.

Prop 100 sales tax extension: No, instead I favor the “Education and Jobs” initiative that will be placed on the November ballot for voters to decide.

Illegal immigration: Enforce existing laws.

Background & experience: I raised two sons who are highly successful in their lives; worked and then retired after 30 years in management; served on the Tucson City Council for eight years; served in the Legislature, total of four years by end of this session; pro-active, non-confrontational approach to solving the state’s problems.

Pro-life / pro-choice: I support a woman’s right to choose.

Campaign finance: private.

Republican

Age: 55. (04/17/57, Topeka, KS).

Arizona since: 1971.

Occupation: Small business owner, Ace Graphics, since 1983.

Marital: Married (Karla, self-employed).

Children: 3.

Religious preference: Christian.

Education: B.A., speech communication, UofA, 1984.

Political experience: Currently precinct committeeman and chairman of LD-30; ran for Tucson City Council, 1995.

Memberships: Boy Scouts of America, NESA, American Red Cross, Wright Flight, AZ Antique Aircraft Assn, Experimental Aircraft Assn, NRA, SPEBSQSA, ICAS, BMWCCA, Pantano Baptist Church.

Interests: Politics, music, automobiles, aviation, firearms, movies, reading, writing, inventing, community improvement/education.

Political influence: Thomas Jefferson.

Job creation measures: Lowering the property taxes imposed on business property commensurate with personal property levels. Liberating business from the red tape and restrictions that government agencies (state and local) impose.

Top Issues: Industry/business growth/jobs and education.

Prop 100 sales tax extension: I prefer not to extend the tax, but if necessary to buffer the budget, it would be acceptable. I would not support another extension or in any way offer support to make it permanent. Any time a tax is imposed as “temporary,” it is commonly levered into a “must have” financial source by “spend & tax” bureaucrats.

Illegal immigration: Seal the border — oversee the gateways allowing for legal entry and immigration. If you have a water leak, you turn off the source before you grab the mop. Stop the leaks first.

Background & experience: I have worked with many people, different ethnic groups, religions, cultures and those who are of a different political position. I can work well with everyone, even those that I may disagree with, yet can function with a positive outlook and demeanor. I have operated a small business and have managed people. I listen to other opinions and positions and evaluate them before passing judgment.

Pro-life / pro-choice: I am pro-life. However, I do not feel that this issue will ever be resolved with any legislation that will satisfy the populace. Educate don’t legislate.

One last thing: I love Arizona. I want the best for the people in our state. We must be observant of the needs of Arizona first. We mustn’t let the federal government influence what is best for Arizona. We mustn’t let national level elections overshadow the elections that really make the difference at home. I stand for a smaller, accountable government; a liberated business environment; simple, livable & and equal tax structure for everyone; an effective & efficient educational system and individual freedom and state sovereignty.

Campaign finance: public.

Republican

Name pronunciation: vote

Age: 39. (02/20/73, Council Bluffs, IA).

Arizona since: 2006.

Occupation: Attorney, Smith & Smith PLLC, since 2010; intelligence officer, U.S. Air Force, 2000-2006; executive assistant, fmr Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, 1999-2000, 1996-1998; account executive, Leo Burnett Co., Inc., 1998-1999.

Marital: Single.

Religious preference: Protestant.

Education: J.D., UofA, 2010; B.A., history, Yale University, 1995.

Political experience: chairman, LD 30 GOP, 2009-2010; precinct committeeman, since 2007. Legal clerk, Senator Jon Kyl; assistant director of policy, Dole-Kemp ’96.

Legis exp: House since 2010.

Memberships: Veterans of Foreign Wars; State Bar of AZ.

Interests: History, improvisational comedy, music.

Political influence: Donald Rumsfeld. While serving as his executive assistant, Mr. Rumsfeld, through word and deed, encouraged me to find ways to serve the greater good through public service. My experience with Mr. Rumsfeld led me to join the U.S. Air Force. After six years on active duty, serving in Afghanistan and throughout the greater Middle East, I knew that public service was my calling. I am honored to continue serving the people of Arizona in the Legislature.

Job creation measures: Comprehensive tax and regulatory reform.

Top Issues: Economic growth and border security.

Prop 100 sales tax extension: I oppose extending the temporary sales tax. Arizona is overly reliant on sale tax for revenue. As we have experienced in this recession, sales tax revenue is extremely volatile. Furthermore, it is one of the most regressive taxes, affecting the poorest among us more severely. We need comprehensive tax reform in Arizona to provide a more stable funding source.

Illegal immigration: States have an inherent right to control illegal immigration. I support a multifaceted approach to deal with illegal immigration that focuses both on controlling the border and penalizing those who knowingly employ illegal aliens. That is why I voted for SB1070 and support employer sanction programs like E-Verify.

Background & experience: I have been fortunate to have been afforded many incredible opportunities over the years. Upon graduating from Yale in 1995, I gained valuable business experience in the private sector as an investment banker and, later, as an advertising executive at one of the largest advertising agencies in the world, Leo Burnett. In 2000, I joined the U.S. Air Force. My six years on active duty as an intelligence officer further bolstered both my leadership and analytical skills. I left active duty in 2006 and moved home to Tucson. In 2010, I graduated from UofA law school. My three years there gave me a deep understanding and appreciation for the law and our Constitution. Collectively, these experiences have broadened my understanding of the many issues facing our state and our country, and have uniquely prepared me to continue serving the people of Arizona successfully in the Legislature.

Pro-life / pro-choice: Pro-life.

Campaign finance: private.