CQ Risk Rating: Safe Democrat 
| GENERAL ELECTION: NOVEMBER 7, 2000 |
|
| John J. LaFalce (D, INDC, L) | 128,328 | 61% |
| Brett M. Sommer (R, C, RTL) | 81,159 | 39% |
| PRIMARY ELECTION: SEPTEMBER 12, 2000 |
|
| | Votes | Percentage | | Conservative |
| Brett M. Sommer | Unopposed |
| | Democratic |
| John J. LaFalce | Unopposed |
| | Independence |
| John J. LaFalce | Unopposed |
| | Liberal |
| John J. LaFalce | Unopposed |
| | Republican |
| Brett M. Sommer | Unopposed |
| | Right to Life |
| Brett M. Sommer | Unopposed |
Source: Congressional Quarterly. To suggest updates and corrections: politics.feedback@cq.com
Major Industry | Population | Cities | People | Race | Median Household Income | Unusual Features
NEW YORK 29
:
Northwest - Part of Buffalo; Niagara Falls
Niagara County, home to the world-famous Niagara Falls and about 40
percent of the district's voting population, is the heart of the 29th. The
remainder of the district stretches east across Lake Ontario to the edge of
Rochester and encompasses a full range of demographics, from the
Italian-American community of Buffalo to the dairy farms of Orleans.
The Niagara River powers the district's two main industries, tourism and
manufacturing. The waterfall's romance attracts more than 10 million
visitors annually. But the river also provides plentiful and inexpensive
power for the region's significant manufacturing sector, which produces
chemicals, auto parts and cereal, among other products.
The 29th's blue-collar base gives Democrats a slight advantage, but
Republican-leaning Orleans County and the suburbs of Rochester make the
district competitive. Democratic Rep. LaFalce has seen his winning
percentage fall from highs of 91 percent in 1982 and '86 to the mid-50s
throughout the 1990s.
Major Industry
Chemical production, tourism, auto parts
Population
579,831 (1990)
Cities
Buffalo (pt.), 113,145; Tonawanda (unincorporated), 65,284; Niagara Falls,
61,840 (1990)
People
67% urban; 15% age 65+ (ranks 10 of 31 in state; top third nationally); 54%
married couples, 24% married couples with children; 18% college educated
(ranks 19 of 31 in state; middle third nationally); 56% white collar (ranks
25 of 31 in state; middle third nationally), 28% blue collar (ranks fourth
of 31 in state; middle third nationally) (1990)
Race
93% white, 4% black, 1% Asian; 3% Hispanic origin (1990)
Median Household Income
$28,951 (ranks 21 of 31 in state; middle third nationally) (1990)
Unusual Features
In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued an emergency declaration in response
to toxic pollution at Love Canal; An estimated 50,000 honeymooners visit
Niagara Falls - negative ions generated by the falling water are thought to
be a strong aphrodisiac and the reason for the city's honeymooning
popularity.
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 29
