CQ Risk Rating: Leans Republican 
| GENERAL ELECTION: NOVEMBER 7, 2000 |
|
| Adam H. Putnam (R) | 125,224 | 57% |
| Michael Stedem (D) | 94,395 | 43% |
| write-ins | 6 | 0% |
| PRIMARY ELECTION: SEPTEMBER 5, 2000 |
|
| | Votes | Percentage | | Democratic |
| Michael Stedem | Unopposed |
| | Republican |
| Adam H. Putnam | Unopposed |
Source: Congressional Quarterly. To suggest updates and corrections: politics.feedback@cq.com
Major Industry | Population | Cities | People | Race | Median Household Income | Unusual Features
FLORIDA 12
:
Central - Polk County; Lakeland; parts of Hillsborough County
Florida's 12th has plenty of land but much of it is covered by citrus
groves and lakes, not beaches and developments. Wedged between Tampa and
Orlando, it includes most of Polk County and all of Hardee and DeSoto
counties. The 12th also touches portions of eastern Hillsborough and Pasco
counties, mostly rural areas like the rest of the district.
Although Democrats outnumber Republicans, most residents are
conservative on social and economic issues and gave the GOP a slim edge for
president in 1996. Similarly, the GOP carried the district in the 1992
presidential contest. For state and local elections, traditional Southern
Democrats make this a competitive area.
The 12th's economy grew steadily during the 1990s, despite some
weather-related dips among citrus crops. Florida's phosphate mining industry
has its home around Bartow and Mulberry, while Publix Supermarkets has its
headquarters in Lakeland. These industries provide consistent economic
support, while citrus crops are more prone to ups and downs. Retirees and
spring baseball fans are attracted to the district's several stadiums and
inexpensive housing, especially mobile home parks. The 12th's population
growth has been steady - Lakeland was the fourth-fastest-growing city in
Florida during the 1990s.
Major Industry
Agriculture, mining, utilities
Population
562,381 (1990)
Cities
Lakeland, 73,157; Winter Haven, 25,484 (1997); Plant City (pt.), 22,368
(1990)
People
47% urban; 17% age 65+ (ranks 12 of 23 in state; top third nationally); 62%
married couples, 25% married couples with children; 13% college educated
(ranks 19 of 23 in state; bottom third nationally); 51% white collar (ranks
20 of 23 in state; bottom third nationally), 29% blue collar (ranks first of
23 in state; middle third nationally) (1990)
Race
84% white, 13% black, 1% Asian; 6% Hispanic origin (1990)
Median Household Income
$25,315 (ranks 16 of 23 in state; bottom third nationally) (1990)
Unusual Features
Spook Hill, in Lake Wales, is a local oddity where cars parked in neutral at
the base of the hill will roll up, defying gravity; Lakeland hosts the
second-largest gathering of experimental aircraft and pilots in the world.
Source: Congressional Quarterly (Updated April 1999)
Front | Political News | Elections | The Issues | Federal Page | Polls
Columns - Cartoons | Live Online | Online Extras | Photo Galleries | Video - Audio
|
District 12
