Lt. Governor: Phillip P. Puckett

Party: Democrat

Age: 57

Residence: Lebanon, Va.

Education: BS, history, University of Tennessee; MA, elementary administration, Virginia Tech.

Occupation: State senator; vice president of business development, First Bank & Trust Co.

Elected offices/civic activities: Member, Virginia State Senate, 1998-present; chairman, Board of Trustees, Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center; member, Virginia Coal & Energy Commission; member, Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission; member, Southern Legislative Conference; member, National Conference of State Legislators; member, Russell County Chamber of Commerce; member, Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department; treasurer, District 11 Little League; member, Economic Development, Trade and Cultural Affairs Committee.

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

"Transportation is the most urgent problem facing the Commonwealth of Virginia. Gridlock on Virginia's highways affects every aspect of our lives. Economic growth is stunted under our current transportation system. Businesses must have the raw material needed to produce their goods; their products must be delivered to the marketplace in a timely fashion and their workforce should not be regularly delayed. When transportation gridlock affects these three elements, growth slows, businesses close and jobs are relocated. Transportation shortcomings affect Virginia families and the future of the children of the commonwealth."

Why should voters elect you?

"With seven years in the Senate, working effectively with Democrats and Republicans, I am a proven leader with the experience needed to move Virginia forward."

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

E-mail address: contact@puckettforltgov.com