CQ Risk Rating: Leans Democratic 
| GENERAL ELECTION: NOVEMBER 7, 2000 |
|
| Cal Dooley (D) | 66,235 | 52% |
| Rich Rodriguez (R) | 57,563 | 45% |
| Walter Ruehlig (NL) | 1,416 | 1% |
| Arnold Kriegbaum (LIBERT) | 1,320 | 1% |
| PRIMARY ELECTION: MARCH 7, 2000 |
|
| | Votes | Percentage | | Democratic |
| Cal Dooley | 43,608 | 52% |
| | Libertarian |
| Arnold Kriegbaum | 1,144 | 1% |
| | Natural Law |
| Walter Ruehlig | 999 | 1% |
| | Republican |
| Rich Rodriguez | 38,661 | 46% |
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
CALIFORNIA 20
:
Parts of Kern, Kings and Fresno counties
The 20th reaches from Fresno to Bakersfield, through portions of Fresno,
Kings and Kern counties known as the Westlands. It picks up Fresno's
southeastern neighborhoods, which are home to many blacks and Hispanics who
reliably support Democratic candidates.
The 20th still bears much of the burden of the San Joaquin Valley's
urban and rural poor and is beset by crime and high unemployment. It also is
one of California's most rural districts and has some of the state's poorest
and least-educated residents, many of whom are Hispanic and Hmong immigrants
who work in the district's farming community.
Farmers in the 20th grow a wide variety of products, including alfalfa,
cotton, fruits, sugar beets, wheat and nuts. To assist the area's shaky
economy, the 20th has attracted 19 state and privately run prisons. For
years, the area has been debating a controversial proposal to build a new
baseball stadium in downtown Fresno, which could provide an economic boost
if financing can be secured.
Major Industry
Agriculture, dairy, prisons
Military Bases
Lemoore Naval Air Station, 4,715 military, 1,092 civilian (1998)
Population
573,555 (1990)
Cities
Fresno (pt.), 80,410 (1990); Hanford, 39,700; Delano, 34,150 (1998, est.);
Bakersfield (pt.), 19,904 (1990)
People
47% suburban, 27% rural; 9% age 65+ (ranks 40 of 52 in state; bottom
third nationally); 60% married couples, 35% married couples with children;
6% college educated (ranks 51 of 52 in state; bottom third nationally); 35%
white collar (ranks 51 of 52 in state; bottom third nationally), 27% blue
collar (ranks 15 of 52 in state; middle third nationally) (1990)
Race
49% white, 6% black, 6% Asian; 55% Hispanic origin (1990)
Median Household Income
$21,140 (ranks 51 of 52 in state; bottom third nationally) (1990)
Unusual Features
Fresno resident Mike Reynolds, whose daughter was murdered, was the catalyst
behind California's "Three Strikes" ballot initiative; The 20th's ethnic
population includes many migrants from the Dust Bowl era whose ancestors
were farm workers; Murderer Charles Manson in jail at Corcoran State Prison
in Kings County.
Source: Congressional Quarterly (Updated April 1999)
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District 20
