Battle lines drawn in west county race

Both candidates are newcomers to elective office -- Rue Furch, a Sonoma County planning commissioner, and Efren Carrillo, a credit union counselor.

The race is wide-open to replace Supervisor Mike Reilly, who for 12 years has held the 5th District seat that stretches from west Santa Rosa to the coast and includes one city, Sebastopol. Important issues include rural roads and environmental protection.

Furch has environmental and labor backing; Carrillo is more closely allied to business interests.

Click the related links and have a look at the backgrounds of both candidates.