Bob McCaslin
Party: Republican
Age: 78
Personal: Bob McCaslin was widowed and divorced twice. He has two grown children, Janie and Bob.
Education: McCaslin graduated from high school in Warren, Ohio. He has a bachelor's degree in sociology and economics from Washington State University. He completed some post-graduate work in those subjects, also at WSU.
Professional: McCaslin worked at Kaiser Aluminum for 18 years and was a real estate agent for 18 years. He's now retired.
Political: McCaslin has been District 4's state senator since 1981. He's chairman of the Senate judiciary committee and serves on the government relations and telecommunications committees. He is past chairman of the government operations committee.
Key issues: Exceptional sentencing. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in June that judges cannot increase sentences above the standard range. McCaslin disagrees with the high court's ruling. Government regulations. McCaslin wants Washington state to be more business friendly and loosen regulations that restrict incentives the state can give to companies considering locating in Washington. Education. "Education is always a priority, both higher ed, community colleges and K-12," McCaslin said.
Money raised/spent: $13,850 raised, $5,529 spent by June 30, 2004
Top contributors: D.A.A. Northwest (of Spokane), Farm Committee for Responsible Majority (of Sunnyside), Holland America Line (of Seattle), Muckleshoot Indian Tribe (of Auburn), Physicians Insurance (of Seattle)
Quote: "Hopefully we (Republicans) would have the majority, and the big decision will be who will be your leaders. That's a big decision right off the bat," McCaslin said.
Key influence: former Rep. Jim Kuenhle and his deceased wife, Wanda. Both encouraged McCaslin to run for office.
Favorite book: "I am What I Ate .. and I'm Frightened," by Bill Cosby and "The Greatest Generation," by Tom Brokaw.
First priority if elected: Reassigning legislators to committees and choosing new leadership.
