Steve Elgar
Party: Democrat
Age: 54
Personal: Married with four grown children.
Education: Degrees in civil engineering and mathematics from the University of Idaho. Doctoral degree in oceanography from Scripps Institute of Oceanography in San Diego, Calif.
Professional: Former University of Idaho and Washington State University engineering professor. Currently operates a business focusing on water research, beach erosion and surfzone oceanography.
Political: None
Key issues: Rural economic development. Tax reform. Education funding reform. Health care.
Money raised/spent: $56,498 / $42,838
Top contributors: $2,000 each from Dorothy Marx of Carlsbad, Calif., Britt Raubenheimer of Sandpoint and Sean Elgar of Virginia Beach, Va.; $1,800 from R.T. Guza of San Diego; $1,500 from William O'Reilly of Oakland, Calif.; $1,000 from IEA PAC.
Quote: "I'm optimistic about North Idaho's future. The legislature is a really good place to ensure my optimism becomes reality. I'm not doing this because I want a career in politics. I already have a good day job."
Key influence: His wife, mother and daughters
Favorite book: Catch 22 by Joseph Heller
First priority if elected: Cooperate with other legislators from North Idaho. "I might be running as a Democrat but I consider myself a North Idahoan first."
Website: www.steve-elgar.com
