In the world of politics, there are many different people with many different backgrounds and ideas. A newcomer to the scene here in New York is hoping her life experiences, growing up in a communist country, gave her what she needs to be successful in Albany. It's a life that our Brian Dwyer tells us, started out just about as hard as they come.

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LEWIS COUNTY, N.Y. -- It's hard to tell by listening to her. But for Maria Pavelock, life wasn't always so cheerful. Born in the 1950s, she grew up in what was then a communist Poland. A childhood she says was hard, but a great learning experience.

"Just when I was seven-years-old," Pavelock said. "It's on my website, I love to tell this story. I had to raise my baby brother because my father was imprisoned by communists for selling twine to farmers in the harvest. That was not allowed."

She says growing up Catholic in that time and place, she knew all sorts of conflict. And although she's not comparing the two situations, she says it's conflict that's now hurting New York State.

"Albany not only doesn't work, it completely destroyed our way of living and it doesn't represent us," Pavelock added.

Pavelock moved to New York on July 4th, 1979. She's since raised a family and worked in both the medical and educational fields. She says it's life experience that some in Albany could never know. It's also the reason she's running for state Senate in the 47th District.

"I am bringing to this ticket, not experience from board rooms but experience from life. I have lived through a failed economy and I also have lived very hard to build my American success," Pavelock said.

Pavelock says her main focus will be education, job creation and the economy. In accomplishing that, she hopes to bring back something she says Albany is missing, dignity.

Pavelock will face a primary challenge from Oneida County democrat Michael Hennessy. The winner will face current Senator Joe Griffo.

And stay tuned, in the weeks leading up to election season, we will continue to profile the candidates in the 47th Senate District.