Attorney General: Robert F. 'Bob' McDonnell

Party: Republican

Age: 50

Residence: Virginia Beach, Va.

Education: BA, business managment, University of Notre Dame; MS, business administration, Boston University; MA, public policy, Regent University; JD, Regent University.

Occupation: State delegate; attorney, Huff, Poole & Mahoney; retired lieutenant colonel, U.S. Army.

Elected offices/civic activities: Delegate, Virginia House of Delegates (1992-present); assistant majority leader (2002-present); chairman, House Courts of Justice Committee; board of advisers, Salvation Army; board of directors, Earning by Learning Foundation; board of directors, Mid-Atlantic Teen Challenge; co-chairman, Governor's Business Ambassadors for Welfare Reform; co-founder and president, Virginia Beach Student Leadership Forum; board of directors, Virginia Beach Friends of the Juvenile Court; member, Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

What do you think is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction?

"Public safety is the most important issue for the attorney general. I helped lead some of the most significant reforms in Virginia's recent history, including abolishing parole, establishing truth in sentencing, revamping our drunk driving laws, toughening drug distribution laws (SABRE legislative package) and establishing Project Exile to crack down on the illegal use of guns. As attorney general, I will work to protect Virginia's residents from terrorist attacks, drug dealers and sexual predators who put our children at risk. I will also work for transportation infrastructure improvements that are important to the military and terrorism preparedness."

Why should voters elect you?

"I have experience as a prosecutor, veteran, businessman and legislator. My priorities are to keep Virginians safe from terrorists, drug dealers and sexual predators."

Web site: http://www.bobmcdonnell.com/

E-mail address: campaign@bobmcdonnell.com