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CHERIE BERRY

Republican

Current office: Commissioner of Labor.

Birth date: Dec. 21, 1946.

Birthplace: Newton.

Lives in: Catawba County.

Education: Attended various community colleges, Lenoir-Rhyne College and Appalachian State (no specific degrees).

Occupation: Former owner of spark-plug wire producer LGM Ltd.

Political career: N.C. House, 1993-2000; Commissioner of Labor, 2001-present.

Web site: www.cherieberry.com

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Has been recognized for contributions to improving state agricultural fairs, bettering safety and health in the home building industry and commitment to the construction industry.

ON THE ISSUES

Employee safety is Berry's top priority.

TRIVIA

Berry became North Carolina's first female commissioner of labor in 2001.

MARY FANT DONNAN

Democrat

Birth date: May 29, 1962.

Birthplace: Union, S.C.

Lives in: Winston-Salem.

Spouse: Robert.

Education: Bachelor of arts, Davidson College, 1984; master's in environmental studies, University of Adelaide, 1988.

Occupation: Program officer for the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation.

Political career: Former director of the N.C. Center for Public Policy Research.

Web site: www.maryfantdonnan.com

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Has served on boards at the N.C. Community Development Initiative and Partners for Homeownership and is a member of the Winston-Salem Community Development Funders' Collaborative.

ON THE ISSUES

Government: Negotiate a minimum wage that is livable and provide incentives to bring private businesses to North Carolina.

Health: Lead a commission to study health issues faced by North Carolinians in the labor force and improve training at all levels.

Education: Expand vocational education in schools.

TRIVIA

Donnan holds a master's degree from the University of Adelaide in southern Australia.