Hank Erwin hadn’t planned on a career as a politician. He already had a career, after all, having worked 32 years in TV and radio.

—

Cell phone: (205) 914-8903

Statehouse office: (334) 242-7873

Home: (205) 620-0116

Business: (205) 621-6681

E-mail: senatorerwin@aol.com

But after Erwin was elected to the Alabama State Senate in 2002, he soon realized that the communication skills necessary for broadcasting translated well into public service.

“All my years in broadcast have been perfect preparation,” Erwin said. “It has allowed me to enjoy many victories on the Senate floor for the people of my district.”

Erwin said he ran for his seat simply because the right candidate had yet to emerge to fill the vacancy created when the former Senator for District 14, which includes Chilton, Bibb, Jefferson and Shelby counties, decided to run for lieutenant governor.

Erwin said the No. 1 issue facing his district is the challenge presented by the struggling national economy.

Erwin and his wife of 37 years, Shelia, have two sons, Andy and John, and two grandchildren.