40 candidates seeking 3 House seats

This election year, redrawing congressional district lines and an open 1st Congressional seat have opened the political floodgates and a record 40 candidates have poured in. To help readers become familiar with these candidates, the Deseret News has compiled the brief biographical sketches below:

1ST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT CANDIDATES:

Craig Axford

age: 32

party: Green Party

hometown: Salt Lake City

occupation/background: Former program director, Utah Environmental Congress

"I want to bring up issues I believe have not been discussed, particularly real health-care reform, public financing of campaigns and the influence of PAC and corporate money. I want to have a serious discussion about transportation issues like Legacy Highway and seek money for mass transit and commuter rail and other alternatives."

Daniel Paul Barker

party: Republican

hometown: Ogden

Unavailable for comment.

Rob Bishop

age: 50

party: Republican

hometown: Brigham City

occupation/background: High school teacher; former Utah Republican Party chairman and former speaker of the state House of Representatives

"Although I am far from being a Washington insider or a man of great personal fortune, I have a proven legislative record. I am running for Congress because the people of the 1st District deserve a representative who will protect their interests and reflect their values. I am the best qualified to do that and look forward to the opportunity to serve."

Cole Capener

age: 46

party: Democrat

hometown: Kimball Junction

occupation/background: International business lawyer and nonprofit corporation president