Two candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination to represent the 47th Assembly District. The seat is held by Rep. Eugene Hahn, R-Cambria, who is not seeking re-election. The victor will take on the winner of the four-way Republican primary; profiles of those candidates will run in Saturday's paper.

Paul Fisk

Age: 62

Address: 308 Sunset Drive, Lodi

Job: Retired operations manager for Alliant Energy

Political experience: Six terms as mayor of Lodi; 1 1/2 years on Lodi City Council; member of Columbia County Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee; Member of Columbia County Land and Water Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee

Other public service: Deployed to the Western Pacific during the Vietnam War; served in the Navy until 1976; served as a chief petty officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1978 to 1994; board of directors, Columbia County Economic Development Corporation; past president, Columbia County Economic Development Corp.

Education: Attended the U.S. Naval Academy from 1967 to 1969.

Web site: www.paulfisk.org

Trish O'Neil

Age: 57

Address: W1087 Fox Road, Columbus

Job: Not currently working; worked as an RN for 19 years, including hospital staff nursing, home health, clinic nursing, outpatient settings and diabetic education. Served as the administrator of the Columbus Family Medical Center and as Director of the Elder Peer Support program in Columbus

Political experience: Eight years on the Columbus School Board (three as president)

Other public service: Volunteer for Columbus Carriage Classic, Columbus Food Pantry, Salvation Army, Outreach and Missions Committee at Olivet UCC Church, Fighting Bob Fest, Executive Committee of the Columbia County Democrats and Legislative Committee of the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin. Member of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, Columbia County Democrats, American Diabetes Association, Wisconsin Public Radio 9XM Leadership Circle, League of Women Voters, Planned Parenthood, American Civil Liberties Union, Southern Poverty Law Center, Sierra Club, Boys & Girls Clubs, Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters, Wisconsin Nurses Association, 1000 Friends of Wisconsin

Education: RN diploma, Madison General Hospital; bachelor's in psychology, Edgewood College

Web site: www.trishforassembly.org

Why are you running for office?

Fisk: Wisconsin needs real solutions from someone with real experience. The people of southcentral Wisconsin deserve better. We need someone who will reach across the aisle and govern — not just score political points. If given the honor of serving as state representative, I will take my experience to Madison to serve you, not the special interests.

O'Neil: Having served on our local school board and realizing the devastating effects the gridlock on the floor of the Legislature has on public policy, I decided it was time for ordinary citizens, not partisan politicians, to step up. We need leaders who are willing to work across the aisle to get things done for the people of the state.

The uncertain economy could mean trouble for the next state budget. What services would you cut, or what taxes or fees would you raise?

Fisk: I would assess funding shortfalls to determine the size of any cuts that must be made. Then I would recommend the Legislature act to require state agencies lapse specific dollar amounts in reducing expenditures — too many legislators want to micromanage state government. Finally, I would vote for the budget that ensures the health and safety of my constituents.

O'Neil: Budgets are a reflection of our priorities. Budgets need to be balanced and there needs to be a mechanism for ongoing accountability. We need a review of the revenue side to make sure that our tax structure is balanced and that everyone is paying their fair share. Currently, the middle class is shouldering too much of the tax burden.

What can the state do to expand access to health care while keeping it affordable?

Fisk: The cost of health care is out of control. Serving you in the state Assembly, I will work to make accessibility and affordability in health care a reality, not a false promise. It is not a lack of good ideas, but rather a lack of political will, which has halted the march of health-care reform. Together, we'll change that.

O'Neil: Our current health-care system is broken. There are too many people who do not have access to quality, affordable health care. We already spend much more money than any other country for poorer outcomes. We don't need more money; we need a different system and the political will to make it happen. The insurance and pharmaceutical lobbies are too influential.

Are state revenue limits on schools and levy limits on municipalities too tight, too loose or just right?

Fisk: Too tight

O'Neil: Too tight

Statewide smoking ban: Yes or no?

Fisk: Yes

O'Neil: Yes