Cast
- Gary Oldman as Rep. Sheldon Runyon (R-IL). Runyon is a conservative Republican who leads the attack on the nominee, namely by leaking rumors on the Internet, overseeing accusations of prostitution, and challenging the nominee's liberal position on abortion. He is the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee that oversees Sen. Hanson's confirmation.
- Joan Allen as Sen. Laine Billings Hanson (D-OH). The nominee for Vice President. She is a Republican-turned-Democrat who fiercely guards her privacy. Coincidentally, Joan Allen had one of her very first jobs ever as an actress working for producer Douglas Urbanski in Chicago in the late 1970s.
- Jeff Bridges as President Jackson Evans. In the DVD commentary, Lurie explained the President does not have a confrontational personality, but relies on his charm to achieve his aims. Lurie's first choice was Paul Newman. Urbanski objected to that idea and suggested Bridges instead.
- Christian Slater as Rep. Reginald Webster (D-DE). A young Democrat who allies with Runyon to defeat the nominee, putting him in conflict with the President.
- Sam Elliott as Chief of Staff Kermit Newman. Democratic watchdog and President Evans' most trusted aide. Oversees Senator Hanson's confirmation for the Vice Presidency.
- William Petersen as Governor Jack Hathaway (D-VA). A popular Democrat and the President's heir-apparent. He has good relations with Runyon and is Runyon's preference for the Vice Presidency. Hathaway is also motivated by his decidedly ambitious wife.
- Saul Rubinek as Jerry Toliver. Press secretary to President Evans.
- Philip Baker Hall as Oscar Billings. Laine Hanson's father and former Republican Governor of Ohio.
- Mike Binder as Lewis Hollis. Laine Hanson's legal counsel.
- Robin Thomas as William Hanson. Husband of Laine Billings Hanson and Campaign Manager. He was previously married and had an affair with Laine while campaigning for Senator.
- Kathryn Morris as Special Agent Paige Willomina. A clever FBI agent who collects information leading to the revelation of Governor Hathaway's liability in the car tragedy victim's death, to the complete surprise of many.
Read more about this topic: The Contender (2000 film)
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