http://www.dscc.org/Races/meet/challengersNancy Farmer
Missouri: State Treasurer
From her roots in a working poor family to her election in 2000 as the first woman State Treasurer in Missouri's 180-year history, Nancy Farmer's life has been a testament to the rewards that hard work and a commitment to public service can bring. Farmer was first elected to the Missouri House in 1992 and served three terms. She chaired the powerful Ways and Means Committee, leading the effort to eliminate the state sales tax on groceries, one of the largest and fairest tax cuts in the state's history. And she helped enact the state Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program, which spurred redevelopment across the state.
Eric Fingerhut
Ohio State Senator
It is time that we have leaders who understand that the only way Ohio will succeed in its third century is by demanding the best. We must have the best-educated workforce, the most modern infrastructure and the most entrepreneurial, innovative businesses. For too long, Ohio's leaders have responded to the challenges we face by saying that things are "good enough." But "good enough" isn't good enough in today's world. I will bring real leadership back to Ohio, I will help change the direction of this state, and I will make you proud as your next U.S. Senator.
Joe Hoeffel
Pennsylvania: Congressman
With the backing of Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, a recent poll showed that after positive descriptions of the candidates are read, Joe Hoeffel is in a statistical dead heat with Republican Senator Arlen Specter: 48% Specter to 44% Hoeffel [Bennett Petts & Blumenthal]. Even before most Pennsylvanians have learned about Hoeffel, this encouraging result follows other polls that have also shown both Arlen Specter and President Bush with a negative approval rating in Pennsylvania.
Tony Knowles
Alaska: Former Governor
Tony Knowles recently completed his second term as Alaska's governor, closing yet another chapter in a career that includes time as a Vietnam veteran, "roughneck," businessman and mayor. During the eight years of the Knowles administration, 30,000 new jobs were created in Alaska and unemployment reached its lowest rate in a generation. Alaska's overall crime rate dropped 23 percent during the Knowles administration.
Dr. Dan Mongiardo
Kentucky State Senator
Doctor Daniel Mongiardo has proven he can overcome whatever career politicians throw at him. He has demonstrated his crossover-voter appeal. His energy and relentless work ethic are unrivaled. He has fresh ideas that represent a new approach to solving problems that have gone unsolved for decades. But most importantly, Daniel has a burning passion to serve people . . . to make their lives better . . . a determination to change a political system in which the voices of ordinary families are seldom heard in the halls of government.