CQ Risk Rating: Safe Republican 
| GENERAL ELECTION: NOVEMBER 7, 2000 |
|
| Wes Watkins (R) | 137,826 | 87% |
| Argus W. Yandell Jr. (I) | 14,660 | 9% |
| R.C. Sevier White (LIBERT) | 6,730 | 4% |
| PRIMARY ELECTION: AUGUST 22, 2000 |
|
| | Votes | Percentage | | Republican |
| Wes Watkins | Unopposed |
Source: Congressional Quarterly. To suggest updates and corrections: politics.feedback@cq.com
Major Industry | Military Bases | Population | Cities | People | Race | Median Household Income | Unusual Features
OKLAHOMA 3
:
Southeast - 'Little Dixie'
Known as "Little Dixie" for its heavy southern influence, the 3rd relies
on farming and is nearly 80 percent Democratic. The rolling hills flatten
and the forest thins as one moves west through Love and Carter counties.
American Indians, some of whose ancestors ended their "Trail of Tears" march
in the area, have a sizable presence in the district.
A 1998 drought was as severe as any in the dust bowl era of the 1930s,
but conservation techniques prevented similar sandstorms. The economy,
however, did suffer. Farmers were forced to use feed for grazing animals by
mid-summer, several months earlier than normal, padding their expenses. In
addition to beef and poultry, farmers cultivate peanuts and wheat, and in
rocky southeastern McCurtain County, the timber industry thrives. Marginal
oil and natural gas wells compose the energy businesses that survived the
1980s industry depression.
The district is the most heavily Democratic in the state - conservative
"Yellow Dog" Democrat territory - and Republicans might not have fielded a
candidate in 1996 if Rep. Watkins hadn't run as a Republican. Democrats
dominate local elective offices, and Clinton won the district - although
without a majority - in 1992 and '96.
Major Industry
Timber, ranching, oil and gas
Military Bases
McAlester Army Ammunition Plant, 4 military, 820 civilian (1998)
Population
524,287 (1990)
Cities
Stillwater, 38,487; Shawnee, 26,833; Ardmore, 23,484 (1996)
People
56% rural; 16% age 65+ (ranks first of six in state; top third nationally);
60% married couples, 27% married couples with children; 13% college educated
(ranks fourth of six in state; bottom third nationally); 48% white collar
(ranks fifth of six in state; bottom third nationally), 32% blue collar
(ranks second of six in state; top third nationally) (1990)
Race
84% white, 4% black, 1% Asian, 11% American Indian; 1% Hispanic origin
(1990)
Median Household Income
$18,394 (ranks sixth of six in state; bottom third nationally) (1990)
Unusual Features
Athlete Jim Thorpe born in Gordon Grove in 1887; Astronaut Gordon Cooper
grew up in Shawnee.
Source: Congressional Quarterly (Updated April 1999)
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District 3
