PAUL GATES
WAFB Anchor, Investigative Reporter & Co-host of "Stirrin' it up"

Tullos, Louisiana was admittedly not the most action-packed place to grow up, but Paul is a legend there. Many would think it's because of his award-winning on-air career, but nope...

"Tullos had three churches, 14 bars, one red light, and a lot of Oil Dereks...and we climbed them all! I climbed the water tower one day and the whole town - of 300 people - came out! I am forever a legend since that event!"

As the middle child with two sisters, Paul worked as a kid mowing lawns, then went off to college at the University of Northeast Louisiana in Monroe (UNLM). Just like any true college student in need of cash, Paul found a prestigious job earning the title of professional pea picker. During a "sabbatical" from UNLM, Paul moved to Houston to manage a Pier One Imports store. While he was in Houston, he completed his degree and worked at Rice University's radio station. Paul then moved back to Baton Rouge in 1977 to work for WAFB.

Paul says something that often surprises people about him is that when they meet him in the grocery store, they always say he's not as short and fat as he looks on TV! Even though most people think he's much shorter, Paul is actually 6' tall...which he believes gives him a great advantage over his opponent Bill Profita!

As the Pink incumbent, many are familiar with the fact that Paul Gates' wife, Michele, was diagnosed with breast cancer not long ago. But there was never a doubt in her or Paul's mind that they would beat it...and they did. "You can't get down about something like cancer - you have to fight! Find someone to lean on...and lean on them hard."

In this year's election, Paul has brought back the same vigor and determination that secured his win last year. "To everyone...men and women...I beg of you to go out there and get those screenings! They really do save your life."