CQ Risk Rating: Safe Republican 
| GENERAL ELECTION: NOVEMBER 7, 2000 |
|
| John E. Peterson (R) | 147,570 | 83% |
| Thomas A. Martin (LIBERT) | 17,020 | 10% |
| William M. Belitskus (GREEN) | 13,857 | 8% |
| PRIMARY ELECTION: APRIL 4, 2000 |
|
| | Votes | Percentage | | Republican |
| John E. Peterson | 34,482 | 100% |
Source: Congressional Quarterly. To suggest updates and corrections: politics.feedback@cq.com
Major Industry | Population | Cities | People | Race | Median Household Income | Unusual Features
PENNSYLVANIA 5
:
Northwest, Central - State College
The largest of all the Pennsylvania districts, the 5th encompasses 17
counties and the state's largest university, Pennsylvania State. The
district's upper counties share a border with New York state, and the 5th's
western counties sit less than 100 miles from the Ohio border. In sprawling
land framed by the Appalachian Mountains sit struggling towns and pockets of
poverty.
State College, the district's largest city, has hopped on the high-tech
bandwagon, bringing in manufacturing firms that specialize in electronics
and computer products. Its technology-driven development mimics the tide
that brought Silicon Valley to prominence, though on a much smaller scale.
The district also boasts a contingent of more than 200 meteorologists. While
State College's workforce is technologically advanced, the 5th's other
counties remain tied to timber production, manufacturing and oil refinement.
Much of the 5th - particularly its northern counties - votes Republican
but exceptions exist. The university keeps Centre County competitive for
Democrats. Neighboring Clinton County and, to the west, Elk County have a
Democratic lean, while Jefferson County remains staunchly Republican.
Republicans in this district tend to be both economically and socially
conservative.
Major Industry
Manufacturing, higher education, timber
Population
565,736 (1990)
Cities
State College, 38,981; Oil City, 11,949; Warren, 11,122 (1996)
People
66% rural; 14% age 65+ (ranks 16 of 21 in state; top third nationally); 60%
married couples, 27% married couples with children; 15% college educated
(ranks 12 of 21 in state; bottom third nationally); 48% white collar (ranks
18 of 21 in state; bottom third nationally), 34% blue collar (ranks sixth of
21 in state; top third nationally) (1990)
Race
98% white, 1% black, 1% Asian; 1% Hispanic origin (1990)
Median Household Income
$23,934 (ranks 19 of 21 in state; bottom third nationally) (1990)
Unusual Features
Town of Punxsutawney holds a yearly celebration for groundhog
"Punxsutawney Phil," who becomes a national media star on Groundhog Day;
Pennsylvania's smaller version of the Grand Canyon located in Tioga County.
Source: Congressional Quarterly (Updated April 1999)
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District 5
