BOSTON -- Republican nominee, Reed Hillman , the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor of the 2006 election in Massachusetts, 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 WWII 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.