This week, Slate begins a series of short features explaining who the 2004 presidential candidates are, what they've said and done, and where they propose to take the country. The first installment summarizes each candidate's personal and professional background. Today's subject is Howard Dean.

Howard Brush Dean

Web site: www.deanforamerica.com.

Age: 54 (born Nov. 11, 1948).

Highest grade completed: Medical school (1978).

Political experience: State representative, Vermont (1983-1986); lieutenant governor (1986-1991); governor (1991-2002).

Asserted achievements: Extended health care to 92 percent of Vermonters (including 96 percent of kids); signed legislation allowing gay couples to attain the legal equivalent of marriage; balanced Vermont state budget every year in office.

Previous jobs: Investment broker (1972-1974); physician (1978-1991).

Spouse: Judith Steinberg Dean.

Children: College-aged daughter, high-school-aged son.