Democrat

Name pronunciation: LOW-cray

Age: 52. (07/03/59, Burlington, WI).

Arizona since: 1970-1989, 2003.

Occupation: RN staff nurse, progressive care/cardiac care, Banner Boswell Medical Center, since 2009; various nursing jobs around the valley: staff nurse at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center, elementary and high school nurse, geriatric nurse practitioner in a medical practice in Sun City, staff nurse/nurse manager on a medical unit in a hospital in Los Gatos, CA.

Marital: Married (Sanjay, computer scientist).

Children: 3.

Religious preference: None..

Education: B.S., political science, 1988, ASU; adult/geriatric nurse practitioner program, 1984, University of Colorado; A.A., nursing (RN), Phoenix College, 1980; Moon Valley High School, 1977.

Political experience: I have been involved with Dist 21 (formerly 9) Democrats since 2004; working on the Kerry campaign and local state races for my district candidates.

Memberships: Maricopa County Democratic Party.

Interests: I love all things politics. I enjoy reading, especially Vanity Fair and The Atlantic, and anything regarding current events and politics. I enjoy cooking. My favorite sports are baseball and football.

Issues: Did not respond.

Campaign finance: public.

Democrat

Age: 52. (04/18/60, Downey, CA).

Arizona since: 1994.

Occupation: Administrative, representative.

Marital: Married (Michael Tarrats, chef).

Children: 2.

Religious preference: Catholic.

Education: Paralegal.

Political experience: Legislative run in 2010.

Memberships: Board of Paraprofessionals.

Interests: Family and travel.

Political influence: Kennedy.

Job creation measures: Tax reform and solar.

Top Issues: Job creation and education.

Prop 100 sales tax extension: In favor [of] dedicated funding for education and by changing the Legislature. Making more permanent changes to the tax code and taking education and job creation seriously.

Illegal immigration: Legislation boosting local law enforcement capabilities to assist them, rather than hinder them and not violate the Constitution. Take more common sense approach to local crime.

Background & experience: Extensive experience in issues of homeland security, continuity, children issues, education, law enforcement and administrative experience.

Pro-life / pro-choice: I support a family’s ability to plan their own family and use birth control [if] they choose. If families were allowed to use the birth control of their choice, unwanted pregnancies could be avoided.

One last thing: I support people over politics. Lobbyists have taken control of our state House and we need legislators who will listen to us, not the lobbyists.

Campaign finance: public.

Republican

Age: 61. (01/16/51, Omaha, NE).

Arizona since: 2006.

Occupation: Owner, Acacia Plumbing, Inc., since 2006; owner, RG Plumbing, 1999–2006; manager, Micro Plumbing, 2001–2003; division leader, Trinity Church Interdenominational, 1998–1999; owner, Midwest Plumbing & Drain Cleaning, Inc.

Marital: Married (Lisa, administrative asst).

Children: 4.

Religious preference: Christian.

Education: M.A., organizational leadership, Crown College, in process; B.S., organizational leadership and biblical studies (dual major), Grace University, 2000; A.A.S., business management, Metro Community College, 1993; certificate in teacher training, Metro Community College, 1992.

Political experience: Precinct & state committeeman; 2nd vice chair, LD9; governmental chair, Sun City Homeowners Assn.

Legis exp: House since 2011.

Memberships: Sun City Republican Club; Sun City Homeowners Assn; Sun City Taxpayers Assn; Peoria Rotary Club; NRA; AZ State Assn of Parliamentarians; AZ Citizen Defense League; North Phoenix Vineyard Church.

Interests: Politics, reading, travel, exercise, guitar.

Political influence: I would say Ronald Reagan is one of the people I admire most in the political realm, but Barack Obama is actually the person who provoked me to get into politics, so I guess he’s the one who was most influential in my political development.

Job creation measures: I believe we need both tax and government reform to help develop the type of business climate that encourages business growth and job creation.

Top Issues: I would like to see our caucus develop a five year plan, which will help us focus our legislation on taking the steps needed to achieve our goals. This would help us address both of the areas of reform I mentioned above.

Prop 100 sales tax extension: I am not in favor of adding the tax, which is what the ballot measure would do, especially since it will be permanent and unable to be changed without a vote of the people. And I am not in favor of extending the temporary sales tax. I am interested in broadening our tax base and lowering the rate.

Illegal immigration: The greatest impact in stopping illegal immigration must come from the federal government doing its job. Unfortunately, we’ve had poor leadership at the federal level for many years and we are still suffering from it now.

Background & experience: I jokingly say the greatest preparation I’ve had for being a legislator is being a single parent of four children. And that’s mostly true because I’ve gotten used to someone always being upset with me, and those are usually the most vocal ones, while the ones who are happy with me are usually quiet and busy with their own interests. That has helped develop me into the kind of person who will do what’s right because it’s the best for everyone, not just the easy way out. To go back to the immigration issue: if our politicians would have done that decades ago we wouldn’t have these problems today. I also think my business experience is a valuable asset for anyone dealing with legislative issues. Signing the front of a paycheck and not just the back sounds like a small thing, but the experience can give you a whole new perspective, which I believe is needed at the Capitol.

Pro-life / pro-choice: I believe that life begins at conception and abortion is the ending of a life.

One last thing: If anyone has any other questions about me or my position, I would encourage them to check out my website, www.VoteRickGray.com or email me at Rick@VoteRickGray.com.

Campaign finance: private.

Republican

Age: 53. (01/01/1959).

Arizona since: 1985.

Occupation: Legislator.

Marital: Married (Joe).

Children: 3.

Religious preference: Christian.

Education: B.A., business administration, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Political experience: Dist chair, AZ Republican Party district; county and state Republican Party officer; vice-president, Republican Women Club.

Legis exp: House since 2009; majority whip since 2011.

Memberships: Advisory Council, Faith House Domestic Violence Shelter; neighborhood leader, City of Glendale Community Partnership program; member, WESTMARC Education Committee and Economic Development Committee; member, Ironwood High School Booster Club (Peoria Unified School Dist); member, Desert Valley Elementary School Site Council (Peoria Unified School Dist).

Interests: Spending time with my family.

Political influence: Constituents in my district.

Job creation measures: Less regulations and lower fees and taxes.

Top Issues: Creating an environment for job growth. Looking out for the taxpayer.

Prop 100 sales tax extension: No. We promised the citizens of Arizona it would be a temporary tax.

Illegal immigration: Secure the border.

Background & experience: My experience as a legislator has taught me how to get things done.

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

One last thing: I am hard-working and honest.

Campaign finance: private.