In January, Rep. Jerry Kleczka (D-Wis.) announced he would not seek reelection for the 4th U.S. Congressional District seat.

Kleczka has represented the 4th U.S. Congressional District for 10 consecutive terms. He was first elected to the seat in 1984.

Candidates running for the open seat include state Sen. Gwen Moore (D-Milwaukee), Republican attorney Gerald Boyle, Constitution Party candidate Colin Hudson and Independents Robert Raymond and Marquette adjunct professor of theology Tim Johnson.

Gwen Moore

Party: Democratic

Residence: Milwaukee

Previous occupation: Public official, civil activist

Previous political experience: Wisconsin Assembly, 1989 to 1993; Wisconsin Senate, 1993 to present

Education: BA Marquette University, 1978

Birth date: April 18, 1951

Religion: Baptist

Issues: Education, health care, women and families, job creation and economic recovery and working families, according to Moore's Web site, www.gwenmooreforcongress.com

If Moore wins, she would be the first black U.S. Congressional Representative elected from Wisconsin.

Gerald H. Boyle

Party: Republican

Residence: Milwaukee

Previous occupation: Attorney,

Previous political experience: No prior elected office

Education: BA, University of Notre Dame, 1994; JD, Pepperdine University, 2002

Birth date: June 15, 1972

Religion: Christian

Issues: War on terror, jobs, lower taxes, education, health care, veterans and active legislation according to Boyle's Web site, www.boyleforcongress.com. In a September interview with the Tribune, Boyle said, "The war on terror is my single issue."

Colin Hudson

Party: Constitution

Residence: Milwaukee

Previous occupation: Educator

Previous political experience: No prior elected office

Education: BS, Wheaton College, 1971

Birth date: December 24, 1947

Religion: Roman Catholic

Issues: In a September interview with the Tribune, Hudson said his platform is "oriented around being pro-life."

Robert R. Raymond

Party: Independent

Residence: Grafton

Previous occupation: NA

Previous political experience: No prior elected office

Education: Attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Birth date: July 24, 1954

Religion: Christian

Issues: Raymond could not be reached for comment.

Tim Johnson

Party: Independent

Residence: Milwaukee

Previous occupation: Educator and previously a special assistant to former U.S. Sen. Robert Kasten (R–Wis.)

Previous political experience: Milwaukee County supervisor for the 15th District from 2002 to 2004

Education: West Point Military Academy; PhD, Marquette University

Birth date: January 8, 1967

Religion: Protestant

Issues: Johnson said in a September interview with Tribune Staff he is anti-abortion and he is concerned with issues including health care . He also cited a need for more third-party voices in politics.