Currently employed: State Senator, 38th district since 1983. Senate chairman of Senate Energy and Environment committee.

Other experience: Lawyer, Peru Illinois.

Campaign Issues: Welch is promoting his experience in the General Assembly and points to his leadership role in environmental issues. Welch also is proposing a children’s advocate in the Lt. Governor’s office.

Comments:Welch said the Supreme Court’s Webster decision made him change his position on abortion to pro-choice. Welch has been criticizing opponent Nancy Beasley’s lack of specifics.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Southern Illinois University. Law degree, Illinois Institute of Technology.

Vital statistics: Age, 42. Marrried, one child.