Congress, 14th District

Mike Doyle, Democrat/ Hans Lessmann, Republican

Bios:
Doyle, 59, of Forest Hills (left) has served in Congress since 1996. Education: Bachelor's degree in community development, Penn State University. Other work experience: Co-owner and agent, Eastgate Insurance Co.; chief of staff to state Sen. Frank Pecora. Family: Wife, Susan, children Michael, David, Kevin and Alexandra.

Lessmann, 52, of Forest Hills (right) is an optometrist and 2003 Pennsylvania Optomestrist of the Year. Education: Bachelor's degree in biology, Purdue University; doctor of optometry, Pennsylvania College of Optometry. Family: Wife, Amy, children Nicole, Jessica and Karl.

Matchup:
Longtime incumbent and Democratic stalwart versus Republican newcomer hoping to strike a chord with disaffected voters.

Campaign Strategy:
Doyle: Telling voters he's been there for them, in the district and Washington, D.C., for the past 16 years.
Lessmann: His manta is "jobs, energy, tax reform."

Weaknesses:
Doyle: He's closely aligned with President Barack Obama and vulnerable to anti-Obama backlash.
Lessmann: He began the campaign with negligible name recognition and trails in fund-raising by a large margin.

Money: As of June 30, Doyle had $293,000 on hand and Lessmann had $14,000. (See updated numbers here.)

Websites:
Mike Doyle
Hans Lessmann

-- By Joe Smydo