The candidates for US Senate, in brief:
Gabriel E. Gomez
Republican
Age: 47
Town: Cohasset
Background: Former Navy SEAL and private equity investor
What he’s running on: Biography. He’s not a “career politician.” Wants to “reboot” Congress with a lifetime ban on lobbying; term limits, and a pay freeze.
Potential weakness: He alienated conservatives by supporting President Obama in 2008 and praising Democratic Governor Deval Patrick in a letter seeking appointment to the Senate.
Globe profile: Gabriel Gomez runs on practical, apolitical experience
Michael J. Sullivan
Republican
Age: 58
Town: Abington
Background: Former state and federal prosecutor, legislator, and acting director of ATF
What he’s running on: Experience, calling himself “tested and trusted.” He touts his tough-on-crime background but dismisses new gun control proposals as ineffective.
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Potential weakness: Conservative bent, close ties to former President George W. Bush’s administration, could make him unappealing to general election voters in liberal Massachusetts.
Globe profile: Prosecutorial code propels GOP’s Michael Sullivan far
Daniel B. Winslow
Republican
Age: 54
Town: Norfolk
Background: State representative, onetime judge, former lawyer for Governor Mitt Romney’s administration.
What he’s running on: A socially progressive and fiscally conservative platform. Limited government, simplified tax code that ends corporate welfare and cuts corporate tax rates.
Potential weakness: His one liners and quick wit have brought him endorsements but little momentum and his ideas are often dismissed as gimmicks by his colleagues.
Globe profile: Daniel Winslow cuts an independent path
Stephen F. Lynch
Democrat
Age: 55
Town: South Boston
Background: Congressman, former legislator and onetime ironworker
What he’s running on: His underdog status and reputation as a fighter. The conservative Democrat is known for bucking his party in D.C., even on high-profile issues such as Obamacare.
Potential weakness: He has lost support from unions over issues like Obamacare and may have muddled his message to voters when he dropped his opposition to abortion during this campaign.
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Globe profile: Rep. Stephen Lynch shifted views, but not local focus
Edward J. Markey
Democrat
Age: 66
Town: Malden
Background: Congressman and former state legislator
What he’s running on: Longtime liberal record on issues from gun control to climate change to abortion rights.
Potential weakness: His 36 years in Congress are derided by rivals who seek to portray him as part of the dysfunction in D.C.
Globe profile: Once a ‘disrupter,’ Edward Markey now a mover in House
Stephanie Ebbert can be reached at ebbert@globe.com.