34TH SENATE DISTRICT

ROB HURTT

The wealthy incumbent is among the most generous donors to Republican candidates and causes in the 1990s.

* Party: Republican

* Age: 54

* Residence: Garden Grove

* Education: Bachelor of science, economics, Claremont McKenna College, 1966.

* Career highlights: Helped build family manufacturing firm into multimillion-dollar business. Founded Independent Business PAC, which has poured $10 million into conservative candidates and causes. Won Senate seat in 1993. Former Senate GOP leader.

* Priorities: Supports school vouchers. Opposes abortion. Opposes HMO reform. Opposes weapons bans. Supports tax cuts and business deregulation.

JOE DUNN

Dunn touts his work as a trial attorney on consumer-rights cases as experience that can translate into effective representation in Sacramento.

* Party: Democrat

* Age: 40

* Residence: Santa Ana

* Education: Bachelors of science, political science, College of St. Thomas in Minnesota, 1980; law degree, University of Minnesota, 1983.

* Career highlights: Joined large Minnesota law firm, moved to its Southland office in 1985. Joined Newport Beach firm in 1996. Has handled consumer cases involving breast implants, UC Irvine fertility scandal, health care costs from smoking.

* Priorities: Opposes school vouchers. Supports a woman’s right to choose abortion. Wants reform of health maintenance organizations. Supports ban on assault weapons and so-called Saturday night specials.