Biography:

A naval aviator from 1969 to 1974, Joe Kernan flew as a navigator on 26 combat missions over Laos and North Vietnam. He was shot down over North Vietnam and held as a prisoner of war for nearly 11 months. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Air Medals and other awards.

Kernan held jobs as a manufacturing manager for Proctor & Gamble Co. in Cincinnati and a sales executive for Schwarz Paper Co. in LaPorte, Ind., before becoming controller for city of South Bend, Ind., in 1980. He returned to private business in 1984 as vice president and treasurer of MacWilliams Corp., a South Bend holding company, until being elected mayor of South Bend in 1987, holding the post for nine years, longer than any other person.

He was elected lieutenant governor in 1997 and was sworn in as governor on Sept. 13, 2003, after Gov. Frank O'Bannon died of a stroke. Two months later, Kernan announced he would make a run for governor in 2004.

Before O'Bannon died, Kernan had stunned Democrats and Republicans alike by announcing in December 2002 that he would not for governor in 2004. But since taking office, he said he knows best the challenges and opportunities facing Indiana and he wants to play a role in the state's future. O'Bannon had been barred by term limits from seeking another term in 2004.

Past Campaigns:

Joe Kernan was elected mayor of South Bend, Ind., in 1987, holding the post for nine years. He was elected lieutenant governor in 1997 and was sworn in as governor on Sept. 13, 2003, after his friend and political partner, Gov. Frank O'Bannon died of a stroke.

Two months later Kernan announced he would make a run for governor in 2004. O'Bannon had been barred by term limits from seeking another term in 2004.

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