UNDATED (AP) -- A veteran state lawmaker who was only 24 when he was first elected and a millionaire doctor who's never sought office before face off November seventh in one of the most hotly-contested races for the U.S. House in the country.

Political observers believe the race between Republican John Gard and Democrat Steve Kagen in northeastern Wisconsin is close. The Republican-leaning Eighth District is a sprawling area of 14 counties that includes Green Bay and Appleton.

The backgrounds of Gard and Kagen shatter political stereotypes. Traditionally, it's the Republican with the business background and self-made wealth against a Democrat with a long career in government.

But Gard is the one with legislative experience. He's been a state lawmaker since 1987 and is the powerful speaker of the Assembly. Kagen owns allergy clinics in Appleton, Green Bay, Oshkosh and Fond du Lac.

The district is one of only 29 open House seats in the country. Democrats need to pick up 15 seats this fall to gain control of the 435-member House after 12 years in the minority.

DISTRICT EIGHT-BIO BOXES

NAME -- John Gard

PARTY -- Republican

AGE -- 43

RESIDES -- Peshtigo

EDUCATION -- Bachelor's degree in public administration and political science, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, 1986.

CAREER -- He worked as a legislative aide from 1986 to 1987 before being elected to the state Assembly representing a northern Wisconsin district in 1987. He became Assembly speaker in 2003.

PERSONAL -- Married, two children.

NAME -- Steve Kagen

PARTY -- Democrat

AGE -- 56

RESIDES -- Appleton

EDUCATION -- Bachelor's degree, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1972; medical degree, UW-Madison, 1976.

CAREER -- He founded Kagen Allergy Clinics in Appleton, Green Bay, Oshkosh and Fond du Lac.

PERSONAL -- Married, four children.