By Cydney Cappello (contact)

Tue, Oct 7, 2008 (5:44 p.m.)

Chad Christensen

Andrew Martin

Incumbent Republican Chad Christensen, first elected in 2002, is aiming to defend his Assembly District 13 seat against a challenge from Democrat Andrew Martin.

Christensen, 38, said he is focusing this election on improving education, economic growth, health care and government spending.

“Because of what we’re facing now, this next session is going to be rough and there’s no substitute for experience,” he said.

Nevada needs to become the center of energy and economic diversification, he said.

Christensen’s Democratic challenger is a newcomer to politics.

Martin, 44, is a managing partner of Martin & Wall, P.C. Certified Public Accountants.

While he said he hopes to rejuvenate Nevada’s economy and schools, he said his main campaign focus is the state’s financial crisis.

“We need to demand accountability and take a look at our budget,” he said.