Go with Jane Dee

Jane Dee Hull Party Affiliation: Republican Age: 62 Lives in: Phoenix Occupation: Governor

Paul Johnson Party Affiliation: Democrat Age: 39 Lives in: Phoenix Job: Telecommunications consultant

John Zajac Party Affiliation: Libertarian Age: 41 Lives in: Tucson Job: Television commercial producer

Scott Malcomson Party Affiliation: Reform Party Age: 30 Lives in: Tucson Job: Technical consultant

In the 13 months since she stepped in for ousted former Gov. Fife Symington, Hull has stood by her commitment to childrens issues. During her watch, more funds were secured for the understaffed and overworked Child Protective Services, the agency that is often the sole savior to children in abusive homes. Hull can also count passage of her Kids Care package, which provides insurance to children of the working poor, among her successes.

The boards endorsement of Hull, however, is not without strong reservations against her track record of backing a conservative agenda. During her stint in the House of Representatives, Hull did back anti-abortion legislation. She also opposed gun control and mandatory gun locks.

But she has also proven herself to be an attractive political moderate.

While opposing late-term abortions and supporting waiting periods for abortion, for example, Hull has refused to support altogether eliminating womens access to abortions.

Her support of the measure providing health care coverage to poor children using federal funds has also gone against some staunch conservative views.

By contrast, Paul Johnson, while at times appearing the more refreshing of the two by virtue of his youth, is also less solid of a candidate. He has indulged in an ill-timed, ill-aimed smear campaign against Hull, charging her with selling Arizona water rights to Nevada then failing to produce proof.

He lacks Hulls reassuring solidity as a candidate and her proven experience in an office that has seen enough political crassness and corruption to cry for a solid, proven moderate.