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WAYNE GOODWIN

Democrat

Current office: Assistant insurance commissioner.

Birth date: Feb. 22, 1967.

Birthplace: Hamlet.

Lives in: Rockingham.

Spouse: Melanie Wade Goodwin.

Education: Bachlor's degree in political science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1989; law degree, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1992.

Occupation: Attorney.

Political career: N.C. House, 1997-2004. Nominated for Commissioner of Labor in 2004 and lost; later, was asked to serve as assistant insurance commissioner.

Web site: www.waynegoodwin.org

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

As assistant insurance commissioner, Goodwin also serves as assistant state fire marshal. Has fought for increased annual grant funds for state volunteer fire departments.

In August 2007, the General Assembly appointed Goodwin to serve on the e-NC Authority Commission, an initiative to create jobs through technology-based economic development and link all North Carolinians to the Internet.

ON THE ISSUES

Ensure a low-cost, competitive insurance market in North Carolina and prevent federalization of insurance.

Provide a stronger voice in government for emergency service workers and first responders.

Support the mission of the Safe Kids program and expand the Seniors Health Insurance Information Program.

Regularly update statutes to reflect existing technology.

TRIVIA

Goodwin vacated his seat in the state House in 2004, but his wife was elected to fill his spot. ... Goodwin attended UNC on a full Morehead scholarship, the first such alumnus of Richmond Senior High School in Richmond County.

Election questionnaire

JOHN ODOM

Republican

Birth date: Dec. 13, 1946.

Birthplace: Bennettsville, S.C.

Lives in: Raleigh.

Spouse: Linda.

Education: Richmond Technical Institute, 1971.

Occupation: Owns three Meineke discount mufflers shops.

Political career: Raleigh City Council, 1994-2003; tenure included stints as deputy mayor and mayor pro-tem.

Web site: www.odom4doi.com

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Has served as executive director of the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association for the past 15 years.

ON THE ISSUES

Worker's compensation systems should be affordable to employers and fair for employees.

Improve the efficiency of department responses to consumer complaints.

Hire effective, qualified employees, including deputy insurance commissioners and chief deputy.

TRIVIA

Odom served in the Vietnam War from 1967 to ‘69. He received a Purple Heart for wounds in battle.