CQ Risk Rating: Safe Republican 
| GENERAL ELECTION: NOVEMBER 7, 2000 |
|
| Asa Hutchinson (R) | Unopposed |
| PRIMARY ELECTION: MAY 23, 2000 |
|
| | Votes | Percentage | | Republican |
| Asa Hutchinson | Unopposed |
Source: Congressional Quarterly. To suggest updates and corrections: politics.feedback@cq.com
Major Industry | Military Bases | Population | Cities | People | Race | Median Household Income | Unusual Features
ARKANSAS 3
:
Northwest - Fort Smith; Fayetteville
Arkansas' hilly northwest subscribes to a rugged conservatism unique in
this heavily Democratic state and, despite an influx of newcomers, this
brand of Republicanism still characterizes the 3rd. The state's only
district to withhold hearty support from native son Bill Clinton in 1992 and
'96, the 3rd has sent a Republican to Congress since 1967.
Median household income for the 3rd ranks in the bottom third of
congressional districts nationwide, reflecting the district's population of
poor, sparsely educated whites who reside in the Ozark hills and farming
communities. Homegrown corporations like Tyson Foods in Springdale and
Wal-Mart in Bentonville sustain the 3rd's economy and attract white-collar
workers, as does Clinton's one-time employer, the U. of Arkansas in
Fayetteville.
The district's Republican core resides with conservatives in the
northwest, where history, religious tradition and an influx of retirees have
created a solid GOP base. The remainder of the 3rd - particularly farming
communities and population centers Fayetteville, Fort Smith and Springdale -
is more open to electing Democrats at the state level, but the northwest
sets the overall political tone.
Major Industry
Agriculture, livestock, retail
Military Bases
Fort Chaffee (Army), 140 military, 366 civilian (1998)
Population
589,523 (1990)
Cities
Fort Smith, 75,776; Fayetteville, 52,360; Springdale, 38,572 (1996)
People
49% rural; 16% age 65+ (ranks second of four in state; top third
nationally); 64% married couples, 28% married couples with children; 13%
college educated (ranks second of four in state; bottom third nationally);
47% white collar (ranks second of four in state; bottom third nationally),
36% blue collar (ranks second of four in state; top third nationally) (1990)
Race
96% white, 2% black, 1% Asian; 1% Hispanic origin (1990)
Median Household Income
$21,903 (ranks second of four in state; bottom third nationally) (1990)
Unusual Features
Sen. J. William Fulbright, who established the Fulbright fellowships, lived
in Fayetteville; Seven-story Christ of the Ozarks statue located in Bella
Vista.
Source: Congressional Quarterly (Updated April 1999)
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District 3
