Jim Nichols - Democrat
Profession: UPS truck loader
Education: Working on a bachelor's degree in economics and philosophy at Georgia State University
Website: jimn2010.com
Phone: (770) 312-6736

Key Issue: Nichols wants to see tax reform, including expanding the sales tax base and reducing county governments dependence on property taxes. He also wants to see election reform to promote third parties and break the political gridlock in Atlanta.

1. What is your definition of success in life?
I think it's having a committed, loving relationship, fulfilling and meaningful work and having the opportunity to engage in your community, while being able to enjoy art, music or literature and having some time to yourself.

2. Do you own an iPod or other mP3 player? Why or why not? If you do own one, what's playing on it?
I do not own an mp3 player; I stick to CDs for the most part. Right this second, I have Beethoven's 5th.

3. Do you own an iPad or other tablet device? Why or why not?
I do not. I just haven't gotten around to it. I'm sure I'd use it, but I haven't had the extra cash. I do have an Android.

4. Who is your political role model? Why?
I have two. I think one would be Martin Luther King, Jr., the reason being he was just a leader at a time in the civil rights movement that was greatly needed. I think there were so many unnamed activists involved in the civil rights movement; his commitment and his passion and sacrifice is something I find motivating.

The other is Richard Ray, president of Georgia AFL-CIO. He's a personal role model. I had the chance to work closely with him when I became chair of Henry County Democrats; I live down street form him. If it wasn't for him I never would have been involved in politics and stayed around long enough to stay in the game.

5. What is your strongest personality trait?
I think that's my creativity, my creative approaches to issues. My interest in writing...I guess that goes back to getting a degree in philosophy. I enjoy looking at issues from all sorts of angels.

6. What was the last non-campaign related event you went to (public event, concert or other entertainment event, etc.)?
I went to the opening weekend at the Dali exhibit at the Hyde.

Rick Jeffares - Republican
Profession: Owner of J&T Environmental, a water preservation company
Education: bachelor's degree in technology management from Clayton College and State University
Website: rickjeffares.com
Phone: (770) 316-2691

Key Issue: On his website, Jeffares lists "Transportation" first, saying easing the traffic burden is a top priority. He said at a forum that the state needs to increase incentives to attract industries.

1. What is your definition of success in life?
I'm not one of those that wants the glory or anything; I just like to see things done the right way. As far as success, I've been in government a long time, been a department head, I have my own business. I won't ask anybody to do something I wouldn't do myself.

2. Do you own an iPod or other mP3 player? Why or why not? If you do own one, what's playing on it?
I had an iPod until two years ago; my youngest daughter at the age of 6 decided it became hers. I listen to old-timey rock and roll, the Eagles. A year or two ago, got tickets to the Kenny Chesney concert and have been listening to more country.

3. Do you own an iPad or other tablet device? Why or why not?
No, I just don't' have time. I just now figured out to use Blackberry.

4. Who is your political role model? Why?
I never thought of any one as a role model. Mike Huckabee came to Henry County one year and spoke at a school. I didn't know much about him, but he's a God-fearing man, trying to do the right thing. I guess Mike Huckabee (is a role model): I was a fan of what he had to say.

5. What is your strongest personality trait?
When I worked at City of Covington, I made a lot of friends. Instead of trying to be a follower or leader, I just tried to work with people. That explains why I worked with the same company three times. I never burned any bridges. I'm friends with everyone.

6. What was the last non-campaign related event you went to (public event, concert or other entertainment event, etc.)?
I guess about two weeks ago, I went to a Braves game.