Alabama State Senate, District 18

Rodger M. Smitherman

Party: Democrat

Age: 65

Residence: Birmingham

Political experience: Alabama State Senate, 1994-present; Senate president pro tempore, 2009-2010; past president of Alabama Legislative Black Caucus.

Professional experience: Attorney, Smitherman and Smitherman, 1989-present.

Civic experience: Board of trustees, University of Montevallo; board of directors, Metro Birmingham YMCA; member of Alabama Trial Lawyers Association, Birmingham Bar Association and Birmingham Chamber of Commerce; elder, More Than Conquerors Faith Church.

Education: Juris Doctorate, Miles Law School; Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Montevallo.

Major campaign contributions: Alabama Realtors PAC, $10,000; ALAPAC, $10,000; Progress PAC, $10,000; Trust Representing Involved Alabama Lawyers, $9,000; AVOTE, $5,000; EDUPAC, $5,000; New PAC, $5,000; Tiger Paw PAC, $5,000.