Though Romney has no prior politicalexperience, he grew up in a political experience,he grew up in a politically active family. He isthe son of former Michigan Gov. George Romney, andthe 1970 Republican nominee for Michigan's U.S.Senate seat, Lenore Romney.

A 22-year Massachusetts resident, Romney'slives in Belmont with his wife and five sons.

Romney's main challenger for the Republicannomination is Lakian, a fellow business executivewho serves as the vice chair of a term limitsadvocacy group.

Lakian is the founder and chair of the FortHill Group investment firm. He is a millionairewhose campaign will not be hurt by his anonymity,said Louis P. McManus, Lakian's spokesperson.

"John grew in a triple-decker in Worcester andruns a successful firm," McManus said. "He has themoney to run against Ted Kennedy."

Lakian has so far lent his own campaign morethan $76,000, according to The Boston Globe.

This isn't Lakian's first foray intoMassachusetts politics. In 1982, he ran forgovernor but was defeated in the Republicanprimary.

Lakian has said he decided to run this year tooppose the current Senate majority.

"He just thinks that the Democratic leadershipis moving the country in the wrong direction,"McManus said.

Lakian, a Massachusetts native, has homes inNew York and Woods Hole, Mass. He is married andhas four children.

Other Contenders

Other contenders for the Republican nominationare talk show host Janet Jeghelian, radioadvertising salesperson Gary Todd, Mildred F.Jefferson and James Darwin Carter.

Democrat Grant Finkle and Independent JosephHarrington are also expected to run