Name: Paul DeWeese (R)

Age: 47

Hometown: Williamston

Occupation: Physician, state representative

Family: Married to Mary; three sons

Political background: State representative, 1999-present

Web site: www.pauldeweese.com

Stance on the issues:

Overcoming the state‘s budget difficulties: Use balanced approach of budget restraint, increased tax revenues; supported cigarette tax increase, pause in single business and income tax cuts.

Higher education affordability: Seek position on Senate Appropriation Subcommittee on Higher Education; ensure lower income students not locked out of college.

Environment: Do more to sustain clean air and water; eliminate mercury emissions; protect dwindling wetlands; initiate state oversight over toxic waste dumps.

Transportation: Good roadways are important to the economy ; increase diesel tax and gasoline tax to fix bridges and roads; increase access to public transportation.

Abortion rights: The developing infant is born human and alive. Abortion is the unwarranted taking of innocent human life.

Affirmative action: Supports the University of Michigan‘s admission policies; more should be done to ensure all aspects of society are accessible to all people.

Gay rights: Members of the gay community must be treated with respect; they should not be discriminated against in regards to employment, education, housing or their civil rights.