The two candidates vying to replace former long-time state Sen. Don White, R-41, offered their background and stories for the public to consider. Profiles of both candidates will appear in the Monday, April 22 print edition of the Butler Eagle.

The Democrat is Susan Boser, a public policy professor at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She is a mother of three, and lives in Indiana County with her husband, David Brady.

She worked for 20 years as a social worker helping rural families and later served as the executive director of social services.

The Republican is Joe Pittman, of Indiana. He served as White's chief of staff since White took office in 2001. He graduated from Penn State University in 1998. He and his wife, Gina, have four children.

White, a Republican, retired in March with two years left in his term due to health reasons.

Boser and Pittman are running in the special election being held during the May 21 primary for the 41st Senate District. The district includes eastern Butler County, Armstrong and Indiana counties, and part of Westmoreland County.

Check out the Monday's edition of the Butler Eagle to read a full profile of each candidate and learn more about them and their backgrounds.