In the running

Senator from New York

Experience: U.S. Senate, 2001-present; former first lady; partner, Rose Law Firm, Little Rock, Ark., 1979-1992; law school professor

Born: Oct. 26, 1947, in Chicago, Ill.

Website: www.hillaryclinton.com

SoCal campaign contributions

Former senator from North Carolina

Experience: Director of the Center on Poverty, Work and Opportunity at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; U.S. Senate, 1999-2005; 2004 Democratic vice presidential nominee; trial lawyer

Born: June 10, 1953, in Seneca, S.C.

Website: johnedwards.com

SoCal campaign contributions

Former senator from Alaska

Experience: U.S. Senate, 1969-1981; Alaska State Representative, 1963-1966

Born: May 13, 1930, in Springfield, Mass.

Website: www.gravel2008.us

Senator from Illinois

Experience: U.S. Senate, 2005-present; member of the Illinois State Senate, 1997-2004; lawyer; voter registration and education project director; community outreach organizer; business reporter

Born: Aug. 4, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii

Website: www.barackobama.com

SoCal campaign contributions

Former mayor of New York City

Experience: New York City mayor, 1994-2001; U.S. attorney; lawyer; businessman

Born: May 28, 1944, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Website: www.joinrudy2008.com

SoCal campaign contributions

Former governor of Arkansas

Experience: Governor of Arkansas, 1996-2007; Lieutenant governor of Arkansas, 1993-96; pastor; TV documentary producer; TV talk show host

Born: Aug. 24, 1955, in Hope, Ark.

Website: www.mikehuckabee.com

Senator from Arizona

Experience: U.S. House of Representatives, 1983-87; Senate Navy liaison; Navy officer

Born: Aug. 29, 1936, in Panama Canal Zone, Panama

Website: www.johnmccain.com

SoCal campaign contributions

Former governor of Massachusetts

Experience: Governor of Massachusetts, 2003-2007; GOP nominee for U.S. Senate, 1994; venture capitalist; Salt Lake Olympic organizing committee president

Born: March 12, 1947, in Detroit

Website: www.mittromney.com

SoCal campaign contributions

Representative from Texas

Experience: U.S. House of Representatives, 1997-present; physician, 1968-1996; U.S. House, 1979-1985

Born: Aug. 20, 1935, in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Website: www.ronpaul2008.com

Representative from Colorado

Experience: U.S. House of Representatives, 1999-present;U.S. Department of Education regional representative, 1981-93; state House of Representatives, 1977-81; teacher; think tank president

Born: Dec. 20, 1945, in North Denver, Colo.

Website: www.teamtancredo.com

Former Tennessee Senator

Experience: Tennessee Senator, 1994-2003; Chairman of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee; Member of the Finance Committee and Intelligence Committee; Attorney; TV actor

Born: Aug. 19, 1942, in Sheffield, Ala.

Website: www.fred08.com/