68TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT

KEN MADDOX

A conservative, Maddox touts his credentials as a Garden Grove councilman and a police officer.

* Party: Republican

* Age: 34

* Residence: Garden Grove

* Education: Bachelor of arts, communications arts, Cal Poly Pomona, 1988.

* Career highlights: Elected to Garden Grove City Council, 1996. Police officer in Tustin, teaches anti-drug education program. County Library Advisory Board member.

* Priorities: Supports school vouchers for pupils in low-performing schools. Backs class-size reduction. Opposes abortion. Opposes wholesale HMO reform. Opposes weapons bans.

MIKE MATSUDA

Matsuda, a lifelong Orange County resident, is spotlighting his roots in the community and work as an educator.

* Party: Democrat

* Age: 41

* Residence: Garden Grove

* Education: Bachelor of arts, English, UCLA, 1979; master’s in government, USC, 1982.

* Career highlights: Two-time teacher of the year at Orangeview Junior High, teaching reading and conflict management. Veterans of Foreign Wars teacher of the year.

* Priorities: Opposes school vouchers. Backs class-size reduction. Supports a woman’s right to choose abortion. Wants reform of health maintenance organizations. Supports ban on assault weapons and so-called Saturday night specials.