Candidates

April 05, 2010 Last Updated: April 05, 2010 06:23 PM Pennsylvania News

Here is a look at the backgrounds of the candidates competing in the May 18 primary for the Democratic and Republican nominations for U.S. Senate:

NAME: Joe SestakAGE: 58EDUCATION: Bachelor's, U.S. Naval Academy (1974); master's, Harvard (1981); doctoral, Harvard (1984)EXPERIENCE: Officer in U.S. Navy (1974-2005), retired as vice admiral; White House director for defense policy (1994-97); U.S. representative (2007-present).FAMILY: Sestak and his wife, Susan, live in Edgmont. They have one child.

NAME: Arlen SpecterAGE: 80EDUCATION: Bachelor's, University of Pennsylvania (1951); Bachelor Of Laws, Yale University (1956).EXPERIENCE: U.S. Air Force (1951-53); assistant counsel, Warren Commission (1964); Pennsylvania assistant attorney general (1964-65); Philadelphia district attorney (1965-73); U.S. senator (1981-present)FAMILY: Specter and his wife, Joan, live in Philadelphia. They have two children.

NAME: Joseph VodvarkaAGE: 66EDUCATION: Stowe High School in McKees Rocks, Pa. (1961).EXPERIENCE: Owner, Fisherman's Lodge and Marina (1973-83), Vodvarka Springs (1979-current).FAMILY: Vodvarka and his wife, Patricia, live in McKees Rocks. They have two children.

NAME: Pat ToomeyAGE: 48EDUCATION: Bachelor's, Harvard University (1984).EXPERIENCE: Investment banker, Chemical Bank (1984-86), Morgan Grenfell Co. (1986-90); financial consultant, Springfield Limited (1990-91); restaurateur (1990-2001); U.S. representative (1999-2005); unsuccessful candidate for U.S. Senate (2004); president, Club for Growth (2005-09); co-chairman, Team Capital Bank (2005-09).FAMILY: Toomey and his wife, Kris, live in Zionsville. They have two children.

NAME Peg LuksikAGE: 64EDUCATION: Bachelor's, Clarion University (1977).EXPERIENCE: Teacher, St. Thomas the Apostle School (1977-79), Presentation School (1979-1982); chairwoman, Mom's House (1983-2006); unsuccessful candidate for governor (1990, 1994 and 1998); public affairs director, Pro-Life Coalition of Pennsylvania (2007-present).FAMILY: Luksik and her husband, James, live in Johnstown. They have six children.