Name and political party: Cal Rapson, Democrat

Age: 57

Political background: serves as precinct delegate from Fenton for the Democratic state convention every two years.

Hometown: Fenton

Occupation: United Auto Workers vice president

Family: married to Sandy, four children and one stepchild

Education: two years at MSU

Web site: no personal Web site, but more information can be found at www.uaw.com

Overcoming the university’s budget difficulties: Believes in trimming the budget and/or programs

Tuition increases: Wants to keep them at or below rate of inflation

Faculty salaries: Salaries must stay competitive with other schools, even if that means raising tuition or trimming the budget

Affirmative action: supports it and believes in a diverse community

Gay rights: Supports them and wants to include benefits

Presidential searches: Agrees with closed-door searches but says a “short list” should be released to the public at some point

Off-campus student conduct: Says students should be accountable for actions off campus and should strive to be “good neighbors.”