Biographical looks at the two leading candidates for governor of California

GRAY DAVIS

* Occupation: Lieutenant governor

* Political party: Democrat

* Age: 55

* Residence: West Hollywood

* Education: Bachelor’s degree, Stanford University, 1964; law degree, Columbia University, 1967

* Career Highlights: Captain, U.S. Army, earning Bronze Star for service in Vietnam, 1969; chief of staff to Gov. Edmund G. “Jerry” Brown Jr. 1975-81; state Assembly, 1982-86; state controller, 1987-94; lieutenant governor, 1995-present; has used seats on the UC Board of Regents and the Cal State University board to fight for lower student fees and promote racial and ethnic diversity.

DAN LUNGREN

* Occupation: Attorney general

* Political party: Republican

* Age: 52

* Residence: Sacramento

* Education: B.A., Notre Dame, 1968; law degree, Georgetown, 1971

* Career Highlights: In addition to two stints in private law practice, was aide to U.S. Sens. George Murphy of California, 1969-70, and Bill Brock of Tennessee, 1971. Elected to Congress from Long Beach in 1978, served through 1988; state attorney general, 1991-present. Tenure marked by drop in the state’s crime rate, but also clouded by his controversial handling of restrictions on assault weapons and litigation against tobacco companies.

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Candidates for Governor

THE BEST OF THE FIELD

American Independent: Nathan E. Johnson

Green: Dan Hamburg

Liberterian: Steve W. Kubby

Natural Law: Harold H. Bloomfield

Peace & Freedom: Gloria Estela La Riva