Democrats see chance in Dist. 8

Monday, Aug. 12, 2002 | 8:51 a.m.

Although Senate District 8 has a 3,000-voter Republican edge, two Democrats think they have a real shot at winning.

Kristen Hansen, 53, owns Kristen & Friends Manufacturers' Representative Sales Group. She serves on the Shade Tree shelter for women board of trustees and is active in Democratic Party committees and clubs.

Hansen has a bachelor's degree from Southwest Missouri State University.

She ran unsuccessfully against Barbara Cegavske for Assembly District 5 in 2000, and cites education and health care as her main platforms in this race.

Edward Portello, 69, owns Portello Pools, and is a first-time candidate. He cites his campaign platform as "honesty, integrity and commitment."

Portello, a former volunteer fireman, said he was educated at a vocational-technical high school and has subsequently completed courses at general contractor's school and pool contractor's school.

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