Republican

Carol Weston

Age: 59

Hometown: Montville

Education: Education major

Family: Married to Peter; two grown children

Occupation: Legislator

Experience: Served two years n Maine House of Representatives, three terms in Maine Senate.

Reason for running: Maine needs a strong economy that provides better-paying jobs to more people. State government can make it easier for Maine job makers to compete and bring work here. This goal cannot be achieved without new policies that encourage private investment, let Maine people keep more of what they earn, and allow them to buy health care at the same lower cost as folks in other states.

Democrat

Diane H. Messer

Age: 55

Hometown: Liberty

Education: BA, environmental studies, Temple University; graduate studies: environmental planning, management and education, California State University

Family: Married; no children

Occupation: Environmental planning consultant, focus on renewable energy and alternative technology support (wastewater treatment, solid waste management, etc.)

Experience: An Army career afforded development of exceptional skills in leadership and management. As an enlisted soldier I was awarded a full scholarship from the ROTC program, which allowed me to complete college and embark as a commissioned officer on a challenging profession that included duty as a helicopter pilot and a paratrooper. After serving the country with distinction I entered civilian life and resumed work as an environmental planner, working mostly with community groups and nonprofit organizations. I was drawn to Maine to continue this work.

Reason for running: I want the opportunity to serve the fine people of Waldo County as their next senator because I firmly believe that I can and will do a better job at representing the broad spectrum of their interests than the incumbent does. Judging by the encouragement and support I have been receiving as I go door to door throughout the county, there are many voters who agree with me.