James Randal "Randy" Hall Party: Republican Age: 43 Occupation: Commercial and real estate lawyer Education: Richmond County public schools; political science degree from Augusta State University, 1979; law degree from the University of Georgia Political Experience: None Civic Involvement: Chairman of the Augusta Richmond County Planning Commission; board attorney for Augusta-Richmond County Community Partnership for Children and Families Family: Wife, Suzi Crowder; two daughters

Charles W. Walker (Incumbent) Party: Democrat Age: 55 Occupation: Businessman Education: Degree in business administration from Augusta College in 1974 Business: Owner of the Walker Group, which has holdings in construction, newspaper publishing and temporary staffing Political Experience: Georgia House of Representatives, 1982-90; state Senate, 1990-present; Senate majority leader, 1996-present Committees: Secretary of the Appropriations Committee and the Health and Human Services Committee; member of Budget, Education, Finance and Public Utilities, Insurance and Labor, Retirement, Veterans and Consumer Affairs, and Transportation committees Family: Wife, Sheila Davis; two daughters, two sons