CQ Risk Rating: Safe Democrat 
| GENERAL ELECTION: NOVEMBER 7, 2000 |
|
| Peter J. Visclosky (D) | 148,683 | 72% |
| Jack Reynolds (R) | 56,200 | 27% |
| Christopher Nelson (LIBERT) | 2,907 | 1% |
| PRIMARY ELECTION: MAY 2, 2000 |
|
| | Votes | Percentage | | Democratic |
| Peter J. Visclosky | 31,507 | 81% |
| Sandra Kay Smith | 6,098 | 16% |
| Cyril B. "Cy" Huerter | 1,229 | 3% |
| | Republican |
| Jack Reynolds | 6,618 | 66% |
| Mark J. Leyva | 3,478 | 34% |
Source: Congressional Quarterly. To suggest updates and corrections: politics.feedback@cq.com
Major Industry | Population | Cities | People | Race | Median Household Income | Unusual Features
INDIANA 1
:
Northwest - Gary; Hammond
Bordered to the north by Lake Michigan and to the west by Illinois, the
1st is home to steel workers and large union and minority populations that
offer Democrats solid support. More steel is produced here than in any other
district, and more than 30,000 steel workers reside in Gary, Hammond and
East Chicago. Most of the 1st's population lives in the far northwestern
corner, where more than 80 percent of Gary residents are black and almost 25
percent of East Chicago residents are Hispanic. The 1st also is home to many
Eastern European ethnic neighborhoods.
Residents around Gary still struggle with the effects of unemployment,
suburban flight and urban decay that began when the steel industry took a
dive in the early 1980s. The 1st is banking on an industry rebound due to
substantial investments in the '90s, but downturns in the global financial
market have made cheap, imported steel an obstacle. Leaders also hope lake
boat gambling will help reverse its poor economy.
While Democrats carry congressional and presidential elections by strong
margins, Republicans in the 1st have a meager base in growing Porter County
and in Lake County suburbs such as Crown Point and Merrillville, where an
influx of white Chicago commuters has raised incomes.
Major Industry
Steel, manufacturing, gaming
Population
554,514 (1990)
Cities
Gary, 110,975; Hammond, 80,081; Portage, 32,419; East Chicago, 31,761 (1996)
People
85% urban; 12% age 65+ (ranks eighth of 10 in state; middle third
nationally); 57% married couples, 27% married couples with children; 14%
college educated (ranks seventh of 10 in state; bottom third nationally);
54% white collar (ranks third of 10 in state; middle third nationally), 32%
blue collar (ranks sixth of 10 in state; top third nationally) (1990)
Race
74% white, 21% black, 1% Asian; 8% Hispanic origin (1990)
Median Household Income
$31,300 (ranks second of 10 in state; middle third nationally) (1990)
Unusual Features
Michael Jackson raised in Gary; Indiana Dunes National Park; John
Dillinger's infamous jailbreak occurred in Crown Point; Popcorn magnate
Orville Redenbacher born in Valparaiso.
Source: Congressional Quarterly (Updated April 1999)
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District 1
