BOSTON -- Democrat Tim Murray is serving his third term as mayor of Worcester, the state's second largest city. Murray says he's worked hard to innovate to create economic growth while expanding job creation and business development.

Murray beat out former Brookline selectwoman, Deb Goldberg, and Cape Cod businesswoman, Andrea Silbert in the Sept. 19 Democratic primary taking 43 percent of the vote.

Under Murray's leadership, he says, Worcester experienced progress. Murray said he has built school community partnerships in hopes of lowering drop-out rates, and launched school-based health initiatives. He said he developed after-school programs to support working families.

Murray's father taught high school while his mother worked as a registered nurse. A Worcester native, Murray attended public schools and went on to complete his education at St. John's in Shrewsbury. Murray receiving his Bachelor's degree at Fordham University starting a career as a substitute teacher and advocate for homeless families while taking law classes at night.

Murray earned his law degree from the Western New England School of Law and became partner in the firm of Tartan, Leonard, and Murray. He was first elected to Worcester City Council in 1997 and became Mayor in 2001. Murray served on the boards of several committees such as the Worcester Public Library, Worcester Historical Museum, Worcester Community Action Council, the Worcester Working Coalition for Latino Students, and Preservation Worcester.

Murray and his wife, Tammy, have one daughter.

Republican nominee, Reed Hillman, the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor of the 2006 election in Massachusetts has emerged as Kerry Healey's leading running mate.

Hillman was born in Newton, Mass., in 1948 and graduated from Newton High School in 1966. His father was a WWI veteran and his mother stayed at home to take care and raise their four children.

Hillman graduated from Babson College and from Suffolk Law. In that same year, he began his 25-year career with the Massachusetts State Police.

In 1999, Hillman decided to retire from his career with the State Police and instead chose to run for State Representative in a special election. In the Massachusetts State Legislature, he became enthusiastic about issues such as public safety, expansion of the State Police DNA database, and tougher drunk driving legislation.

Along with these issues, Hillman said he has worked on reducing crime and fatalities, creating the Amber Alert systme, lowering taxes, and focusing on terrorism legislation.

Hillman represents the First Hampden District, which consisted of the towns of Brimfield, Holland, Palmer and Whales, all in Hampden County; precincts B and C in the town of Ware, in Hampshire County; and the towns of Sturbridge and Warren both in Worcester County.

In 2005, he was referred by Gov. Mitt Romney to be considered for position of U.S. Marshal for Massachusetts.

Hillman currently resides in Sturbridge, Mass., with his wife, a public school teacher, and two children.