DFL-endorsed Dan Sparks and Independence Party-endorsed Terry Kelley are challenging incumbent Sen. Grace Schwab (R-Albert Lea) for the District 27 spot in the state senate.

Here in their own words are their candidate profiles:

Terry Kelley

Prior elective office experience: None.

Profession: Broadcast journalist; former morning co-anchor and producer at KAAL-TV, Channel 6 in Austin.

Why are you seeking this office?

I believe the high quality of life we enjoy in Minnesota is slipping away. Struggling schools and lost jobs add to my concern. Democrats and Repub-licans talk a great deal about fixing the budget deficit, helping K-12 education and providing our seniors with prescription drug benefits … but it's all just talk. For them, these are campaign issues designed to help them get into office … and then to be forgotten about until the next election. Let's choose someone with a strong, independent voice who will fight for the people of the 27th district and not be beholden to the special interests in St. Paul who are trying to buy this senate seat.

What is the top priority in state government?

Obviously the state budget problems.

The 2002 state legislature let the people of Minnesota down. Next year, lawmakers will need to take an honest and realistic look at where cuts need to be made. I favor a zero-based budget that squeezes every tax dollar out of every state agency. State government must simply learn how to do more with less dollars. The possibility of raising taxes (such as tobacco and gasoline taxes) must be on the table, but only as a last resort.

What are your thoughts on public service?

This is an truly a wonderful country in large part because any citizen is allowed to participate either as a voter or as a political candidate. Running for a public office is a wonderful, beautiful experience. I encourage every citizen to get involved. It is only through the democratic process that reform and change can really happen.

Final Comments:

I ask the folks of the 27th Senate district for their vote for me on Nov. 5. I've enjoyed providing you with news and information … with hopefully a little humor during my five years as one of the morning co-anchors on KAAL-TV, Channel 6.

As you know earlier this year, some serious issues concerning the state that I love forced me to leave the sidelines of reporting into an activist role as a state senate candidate. I've loved meeting with you at your doorstep, or at the many parades and festivals that make this region a truly great place to live, work and raise a family. I hope you won't be fooled by the large amounts of special interest money that is being poured into the campaigns of my DFL and Republican opponents. How can they say they will represent the 27th district when so many of the dollars for their campaign war chests is coming from St. Paul? I won't accept special interest money because I'm truly independent and only wish to represent your views at the state capitol.

Grace Schwab

Prior elective office experience: Senator Schwab has represented the people of Senate District 27 since she was elected in 2000. Prior to her election, she served as an Albert Lea school board member. Senator Schwab has taken active roles on the Senate Transportation, Education, Tax and Crime Prevention committees.

Profession: Legislator

Why are you seeking this office?

I think the people of our district deserve better service than they have received in the past. During my two years in the Senate, I have worked hard, across party lines, to meet some of our top concerns. I see the needs of our district -- fair funding for schools and roads, good paying jobs, affordable health care and I want to make a difference.

I have learned that it is possible to make that difference if you're willing to put in the effort, and I am certainly not one who is afraid of hard work!

What is the top priority in the government jurisdiction you seek to serve?

I would say keeping pace with the metro area. As population shifts, our communities will be put at an even greater disadvantage. Already, our kids receive thousands of dollars less than students in Minneapolis and St. Paul and our roads are routinely shortchanged.

Our rural communities are the economic engine of Minnesota -- we produce the crops that feed Minnesota's families. More than ever before, we need a strong leader to fight for our rural needs.

How would you fix that problem?

Or how would you nurture the growth of that asset?

Already, I have worked to even the playing field when it comes to education funding.

Ensuring that every student is funded fairly -- regardless of which region of the state they live in -- has been one of my top priorities. Additionally, I have worked hard and will continue working hard to make sure that we receive our fair share of investments in nursing homes, roads and bridges, law enforcement and economic development. Biodiesel and ethanol were a good start, but we need to go even further. As long as I am in the Senate, I will not let the state forget about Greater Minnesota.

What are your thoughts on public service?

Public service is one of the most rewarding experiences life has to offer -- if you are in it for the right reasons. I think it's important to elect leaders who are motivated by a commitment to their constituents -- not by personal agenda or ego. Serving as the voice for thousands of families is an incredible honor and a responsibility. Effective public service relies on good listening, cooperation across party lines and enthusiasm.

Dan Sparks

Prior elective office experience: None.

Profession: Currently I am a loan officer at Farmers and Merchants State Bank in Austin, but I also have worked on the line at the Hormel plant, in road construction and on the family farm.

Why are you seeking this office?

I have lived in this great area all my life and I'm proud to call it home. My deep roots and broad base of experience have helped me understand the issues facing the people of this area and relate to their concerns. I am driven to make a difference in people's lives, and I would like to continue to help the people of District 27 at the Capitol. There are many ways to serve your community, but I believe the most honorable is to put yourself on the line and serve in public office.

What is the top priority in the government jurisdiction you seek to serve?

During this campaign I have listened to hundreds of people, and the concerns I hear most often are education and health care. Both are top priorities of mine, but if I must choose, I will focus on education. I am proud to be endorsed by the major education group in our state, Education Minnesota, and local educators.

I won't just talk about "getting the job done." I will make sure our schools receive the funding and resources they need because I believe in investing in our future. To keep our families strong, we need to strengthen our schools by reducing class sizes so our children get the attention they need. We must provide the tools and technology our students need to learn and our teachers need to teach. I credit much of my success in life to the quality education I received in Austin, and I want my daughters to have the same opportunities and success.

How would you nurture the growth of that asset?

Our state faces a budget deficit, a problem that will be tough to correct. While there are areas we can streamline or cut, I will fight to keep those cuts from happening to education. Part of the funding problem stems from our legislators voting for huge tax cuts for million-dollar vacation homes in the past two years. This shifted the tax burden back onto local taxpayers in the form of excess levy referendums. The average homeowner never received this type of break in their taxes. As a member of the senate majority party, I will be able to work with other strong education advocates to protect education funding. I will work to make the new system more fair and preserve quality education opportunities for all Minnesota students.

What are your thoughts on public service?

Public service is exactly that -- serving the public. I believe government and the legislative process should be a very human process. It's about how people get along-- how they come together. We may not always agree, but you listen to both sides and then make a decision based on what you feel is best for the people. I have had a lifetime of being involved in the human process and forming relationships, and I have learned the value of listening to others. I will always remember this when facing tough decisions.

Final comments:

As your senator, I will always put people before politics. I will work hard and take an active part in debates and discussions at the Capitol. I will take the "hard votes" when they come, and my door will always be open. I will take the time to meet or respond to people of the district and actually listen to their concerns. I will serve with integrity and honesty, the same way I have campaigned. I have stuck to the issues and listened to the people of his wonderful district, and it would be my honor to serve the people of District 27.

Lee Bonorden can be reached at 434-2232 or by e-mail at :mailto:lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com