The following legislative candidates will appear on the Aug. 26 primary ballot in Broward County. To find your district, go to www.browardsoe.org/PrecinctFinder.aspx.

SENATE DISTRICT 31

(registered Democrats only)

Kenneth ''Ken'' Gottlieb (D); Timothy ''Tim'' Ryan (D); Eleanor Sobel (D)

Of all the Broward legislative races, Senate District 31 is a classic study on the effect of term limits.

Former Democratic state Reps. Ken Gottlieb, Tim Ryan and Eleanor Sobel are pursuing the southeast Broward seat held by Senate Democratic Leader Steve Geller, of Cooper City, who leaves the Legislature after 20 years.

Beyond their eight years in the House ending in 2006, Gottlieb and Sobel are former Hollywood commissioners and served as chairs of the Broward legislative delegation. All three boast lengthy political experience.

And with a write-in candidate closing the primary to non-Democratic voters, party purity has become a key component of the campaign with mailings and speeches stressing each candidate's Democratic credentials. Each also wants more education funding, lower windstorm insurance rates and tax reform.

Comprehensive tax reform has been a centerpiece of Gottlieb's campaign.

''I want to change the debate,'' Gottlieb said in a Miami Herald Editorial Board interview. 'I want to put everything on the table so it doesn't come down to `Do you support this tax, yes or no?' but instead 'Which tax do you support more.' ''

Gottlieb promotes his ability to stop bills Democrats oppose, like one that would have made schools print ''In God we trust'' over doors.

Ryan cites his consensus-building through personal ties with lawmakers. He says those skills helped him pass nine bills in the Republican-dominated Legislature, including ones to protect sea turtles and prevent over-medication of foster children.

He also touts his bid to fight the Republican redistricting plan. Ryan argued against the plan, which ultimately prevailed in 2002 and created a majority of Republican-leaning districts, on the House floor and in front of the state Supreme Court.

Sobel, who serves on the Broward School Board, highlights her background in education. She also has made healthcare a priority. While in the House, she passed one bill increasing how much health screening each Florida newborn receives and another that gives youth sports organizations grants for automated defibrillators.

Sobel, who has raised about $272,000, has the fundraising lead thanks to numerous donations from doctors and medical associations. Some of those same donors also have helped pay for mailings on Sobel's behalf by donating to third-party electioneering groups.

HOUSE DISTRICT 92

(all district voters)

Gwyndolen ''Gwyn'' Clarke-Reed (D); Mark LaFontaine (D); Scott Newton (D)

In House District 92, three Democrats -- gay activist Mark LaFontaine, Wilton Manors Mayor Scott Newton and former Deerfield Beach Commissioner Gwyn Clarke-Reed -- compete to replace term-limited Rep. Jack Seiler.

If LaFontaine wins, he would be Florida's first openly gay state legislator. He attracted national attention a few years ago when he applied for a leadership position with the Boy Scouts of America, which bans gay troop leaders.

LaFontaine, an accountant who lives in Oakland Park, has been endorsed by the AFL-CIO and the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund among other groups.

Newton also has supporters in the gay community, including Ken Keechl, Broward's first openly gay county commissioner.

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