Arizona since: 2007.

Occupation: Retired; research scientist in biochemistry and molecular biophysics for several decades; worked in several academic institutions, including the UofA and Washington Univ School of Medicine in St. Louis.

Marital: Widowed.

Children: 1.

Religious preference: No preference.

Education: Pd.D., biochemistry, Colorado State Univ., 1982; B.A., chemistry, Texas A&M Univ., 1975.

Political experience: This is my first time running for a political office.

Memberships: American Chemical Society, American Assn for the Advancement of Science, Sigma Xi, Biophysical Society, New York Academy of Sciences.

Interests: Reading and hiking.

Political influence: Although I do not know her personally, I have great admiration for Gabrielle Giffords. She has always conducted herself as a public servant and stateswoman, and she maintained an open and welcoming relationship with all of her constituency. She showed that it can be done, with class.

Job creation measures: Since a quality public education system is key to job creation in Arizona, the dramatic cuts to education in our state must end. Arizona’s top priority should be the re-investment in our public schools. It is the responsibility of our state leaders to maintain our roads and to encourage the development of renewable energy sources. Businesses are constantly adapting and changing, and Arizona must have a well-functioning, modernized infrastructure to support business innovation.

Top Issues: Funding for public education. Funding for transportation and investment in renewable energy.

Prop 100 sales tax extension: I support the Quality Education and Jobs initiative, which would extend the sales tax, but prevent the Legislature from making more cuts to public education. It is my hope that Arizona will eventually be able to decrease its dependence on sales tax revenue, and that regressive sales taxes will be lowered.

Illegal immigration: Arizona could, and should, be a strong, well-reasoned voice for comprehensive immigration reform, leading the effort to convince Congress and the American people to take long overdue action on what is a critical federal responsibility.

Background & experience: As a research scientist, I enjoyed working on difficult problems, including listening to those whose opinions differed from mine. Sometimes I was right, sometimes I was not. The focus should always be on solving the problem. It is disappointing and dysfunctional that so many in our Arizona Legislature listen to so few of their fellow Arizonans.

Pro-life / pro-choice: I believe that the termination of a pregnancy is the private, personal business of the pregnant woman and not the business of a government who has many, many other problems on its hands.

One last thing: I am not beholden to any political action committee or any special interest group or ideology. I believe that our elected officials must be held to the highest of standards in order to return the trust of the people they represent.

Campaign finance: public.

Republican

Arizona since: 2002.

Occupation: Owner, American Quality International Consulting, since 2003; adjunct lecturer, UofA, University of Phoenix, Western International University, 2003-2008; ships officer, American Maritime Officers, 1999-2003; Captain, U.S. Navy (active duty), 1997-1999.

Marital: Married (Kou Marie).

Children: none.

Religious preference: Roman Catholic.

Education: Degree, U.S. Naval War College, Newport, RI, 2004; M.B.A., Thunderbird-American Graduate School of International Management, 1972; B.S., U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY, 1969.

Political experience: Republican candidate for Arizona Senate LD 26, 2006; Republican precinct committeeman since 2004.

Legis exp: Senate since 2009.

Memberships: Rotary, Elks Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Northern Pima County Chamber of Commerce, Marana Chamber of Commerce, Military Officers Assn of America, Naval League of the U.S., NRA, Reserve Officers Assn, Naval Reserve Assn, Nat’l Eagle Scout Assn.

Interests: Golf, hiking, hunting.

Political influence: My political development has been based on Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan because they are perfect examples of leadership, vision and integrity, which I endeavor to bring to the Arizona Senate. Using their example, there is nothing that we cannot accomplish as a state. I believe that, without a doubt, Arizona can become the most prosperous and successful state in the nation.

Job creation measures: Tried and true conservative Republican principles encourage private sector job creation in Arizona and these are smaller government, lower taxes and less regulation. Total transparency in these fundamental areas is critical. This concept, to date, has put Arizona in the top 10 states regarding pro business atmosphere, best for business start-ups and job creation. A balanced state budget is absolutely required for job growth.

Top Issues: I strongly believe that we must work with other western mountain states to convert federal land to private land as soon as possible as per my SB 1332, which the governor recently vetoed. Conversion to private land will bring in more money for education and rejuvenate jobs in the lumber, mining and cattle industries. It will also help control forest fires and secure the border. Next, we need to invite out of state companies to move here.

Prop 100 sales tax extension: I strongly oppose extending the temporary sales tax increase when it expires in 2013. The last thing we should do is to raise any taxes during a period of economic recovery. Raising taxes is the wrong thing to do.

Illegal immigration: Illegal aliens cost the citizens of Arizona over $1 billion a year in costs related to education, medication and incarceration. We need to complete the border fence. Please refer to www.buildthebordefence.com and www.azleg.gov/jbsac. We must secure our border because of the extreme violence south of the border and the potential overflow into Arizona. Good jobs in Mexico would be the true solution to border security.

Background & experience: I am a teacher, businessman and a 30 year veteran of the U.S. Naval Reserve. I have a B.S. degree from the U.S. Merchant Academy at Kings Point, NY, a M.B.A. from Thunderbird in Glendale, AZ, and I am a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College, Newport, RI. I have had a 40 year career in international trade and transportation. I am a Captain, U.S.N.R. (Ret). Please see www.senatormelvin.com.

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

One last thing: I am a Christian. I strongly believe in serving a cause greater than oneself. I have done this throughout my life as an Eagle Scout, U.S. Naval Officer and Arizona State Senator. Please refer to my resume at www.senatormelvin.com. I believe that we can provide Arizona with plentiful, reliable and affordable electricity through nuclear energy, water through desalination and transportation. We need maximum parental school choice.

Campaign finance: private.