CQ Risk Rating: Safe Republican 
| GENERAL ELECTION: NOVEMBER 7, 2000 |
|
| Jerry Weller (R) | 132,384 | 56% |
| James P. Stevenson (D) | 102,485 | 44% |
| PRIMARY ELECTION: MARCH 21, 2000 |
|
| | Votes | Percentage | | Democratic |
| James P. Stevenson | 25,080 | 100% |
| | Republican |
| Jerry Weller | 30,194 | 100% |
Source: Congressional Quarterly. To suggest updates and corrections: politics.feedback@cq.com
Major Industry | Population | Cities | People | Race | Median Household Income | Unusual Features
ILLINOIS 11
:
South Chicago suburbs and exurbs - Joliet
The 11th is arguably the most eclectic district in Illinois. The far
east side, abutting the Indiana border, includes Chicago's 10th Ward, the
working-class neighborhoods south of the city, and part of rural Kankakee
County. The district then runs west through the old industrial city of
Joliet and into the farming center of the state.
Much of the district's politics revolve around a deadlocked proposal to
build a third Chicago metro-area airport in Peotone. Residents in the north
of the 11th and the nearby 2nd District believe a new airport would inject
the ailing, industrial south suburbs with new money. But residents in the
rural part of the district oppose the project, fearing that their way of
life would be disrupted. The issue has pitted Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley
against area congressional representatives and Illinois Gov. George Ryan,
who support the plan.
A mix of white working-class, minority and rural constituents makes the
11th a classic swing district. Parts are becoming more Democratic as black
Chicagoans move into the south suburbs. But neighboring Will County, which
has seen an influx of young suburban families, leans Republican. The 11th is
one of the few consistently competitive districts in suburban Chicago.
Clinton won the district in 1992 with only 44 percent as 20 percent of the
voters opted for Reform candidate Ross Perot.
Major Industry
Farm equipment manufacturing, riverboat gambling, agriculture
Population
571,050 (1990)
Cities
Joliet (pt.), 76,291; Chicago (pt.), 34,829 (1990); Lansing, 28,664 (1996)
People
62% urban; 13% age 65+ (ranks 10 of 20 in state; middle third nationally);
62% married couples, 30% married couples with children; 13% college educated
(ranks 15 of 20 in state; bottom third nationally); 53% white collar (ranks
15 of 20 in state; middle third nationally), 32% blue collar (ranks third of
20 in state, top third nationally) (1990)
Race
87% white, 8% black, 1% Asian; 6% Hispanic origin (1990)
Median Household Income
$33,632 (ranks eighth of 20 in state; top third nationally) (1990)
Unusual Features
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie; Joliet once known as the wallpaper
capital of 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 11
