Candidates to be Greek PM
 |  Papandreou is U.S.-born and has an American mother. |
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ATHENS, Greece -- These are the two main contenders to be the new Greek Prime Minister in elections Sunday:
George Papandreou. Widely referred to as Georgaki, or Little George. Until recently, Foreign Minister. Elected leader of the ruling Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) last month, pledging reform. Son of party founder and former premier, the late Andreas Papandreou. Also grandson of the late George Papandreou, who served as premier. But analysts say he does not share their flamboyant nature and is more of a diplomat.
Born St. Paul, Minnesota -- his father taught at the University of Minnesota. Went to high school in Elmhurst, Illinois -- his American mother's hometown. Studied at Amherst College in Massachusetts and London School of Economics.
Papandreou, 51, was first elected to parliament in 1981. Served in various cabinet posts including education minister from 1988-89 and foreign minister from 1999 until this February. Was minister responsible for successful bid for 2004 Olympic Games. Also credited with easing decades of hostility with neighbor Turkey. Married, two children.
Costas Karamanlis. Leader of the main opposition party New Democracy and nephew of the late Constantine Karamanlis, former Greek president and premier. Other family members were also politicians.
 Karamanlis went into the elections as the front-runner. | |
Not much of a showman. Known for tight-fitting suits and shiny ties. Has campaigned in an armored limousine.
Born Athens. Studied law at Athens University's Law School and economics at the American College of Greece. Postgraduate studies at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.
Karamanlis, 47, first elected to parliament in 1989. Named party leader in 1997. New Democracy last in power 1990-3, but considered current front-runner according to opinion polls. Married with two children.
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Associated Press contributed to this report.
