CQ Risk Rating: Safe Republican 
| GENERAL ELECTION: NOVEMBER 7, 2000 |
|
| Peter Hoekstra (R) | 186,762 | 64% |
| Bob Shrauger (D) | 96,370 | 33% |
| Susan J. Goldberg (NL) | 2,705 | 1% |
| Bruce A. Smith (LIBERT) | 2,639 | 1% |
| Ronald E. Graeser (USTAX) | 1,449 | 1% |
| PRIMARY ELECTION: AUGUST 8, 2000 |
|
| | Votes | Percentage | | Democratic |
| Bob Shrauger | 12,786 | 100% |
| | Republican |
| Peter Hoekstra | 57,170 | 100% |
Source: Congressional Quarterly. To suggest updates and corrections: politics.feedback@cq.com
Major Industry | Population | Cities | People | Race | Median Household Income | Unusual Features
MICHIGAN 2
:
West - Holland; Muskegon
The 2nd stretches 140 miles along Lake Michigan, covering counties full
of cherry trees and asparagus farms. Pioneers, most of them Dutch, were
drawn to the region by rich logging opportunities. Now, heavy manufacturing
dominates the most populated counties, including Muskegon, Ottawa and
Allegan, but the early settlers' pioneering spirit persists. Dutch
independence has made the 2nd one of the most staunchly Republican districts
in Michigan, rivaled only by the Grand Rapids district (the 3rd) just to the
east.
Some support for Democratic candidates can be found among minority
voters in the district's largest city, Muskegon, which is home to the 2nd's
only state-level Democratic representative. Muskegon has struggled to keep
manufacturing jobs since the end of World War II. But local tax incentives
have drawn in new automotive parts suppliers, helping the economy rebound.
Western Michigan also hosts several of the nation's top office furniture
makers, with both Herman Miller and Haworth having their headquarters in the
district.
South of Muskegon lies Holland, a conservative, Dutch-settled port town
that draws tourists from all over the Midwest. Holland is the westernmost
point of the "Dutch Triangle," formed by Holland, Grand Rapids and
Kalamazoo. The turn-of-the-century Dutch lifestyle is recreated in Dutch
Village, complete with wooden shoes and klompen dancers. The city's annual
tulip festival draws about 500,000 visitors every May.
Major Industry
Metal, furniture, tourism, agriculture
Population
581,017 (1990)
Cities
Muskegon, 39,518; Holland, 33,247; Norton Shores, 22,710 (1996)
People
52% rural; 32% age 65+ (ranks seventh of 16 in state; middle third
nationally); 64% married couples, 31% married couples with children; 14%
college educated (ranks ninth of 16 in state; bottom third nationally); 48%
white collar (ranks 16 of 16 in state; bottom third nationally), 36% blue
collar (ranks first of 16 in state; top third nationally) (1990)
Race
93% white, 4% black, 1% Asian; 3% Hispanic origin (1990)
Median Household Income
$28,905 (ranks 10 of 16 in state; middle third nationally) (1990)
Unusual Features
World's largest weather vane in Whitehall; National Asparagus Festival in
Oceana County.
Source: Congressional Quarterly (Updated April 1999)
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District 2
