CQ Risk Rating: Safe Democrat 
| GENERAL ELECTION: NOVEMBER 7, 2000 |
|
| Tim Holden (D) | 140,084 | 66% |
| Thomas G. Kopel (R) | 71,227 | 34% |
| PRIMARY ELECTION: APRIL 4, 2000 |
|
| | Votes | Percentage | | Democratic |
| Tim Holden | 21,610 | 100% |
| | Republican |
| Thomas G. Kopel | 19,861 | 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 6
:
Southeast - Reading
The rural neighbor of northwest Philadelphia, the 6th is situated on the
ridge-and-valley section of the Appalachian Mountains. The Schuylkill River
meanders through the heart of the district.
As in much of Pennsylvania, Berks and Schuylkill counties have struggled
to move the focus of their economies from steel, textiles and coal to other
industries. Berks County, with the help of Reading's shopping outlets, is no
longer recognized as a major railroad or manufacturing center. It now
features a large and diverse economic base where no single employer
dominates the workforce. Berks also reaps tourist revenue from its popular
historical sites, including covered-bridge tours. Schuylkill County, with an
ever-declining mining economy, has been less successful in its efforts to
diversify.
Republicans hold a slim margin in voter registration but have
nevertheless supported the conservative Democratic incumbent, who has won by
large margins. While some residents vote Democratic, following the party's
traditional links to labor unions and work issues, others align with the GOP
for its positions on gun laws and abortion. Presidential elections tend to
be tight in this district, with Republicans recently prevailing.
Major Industry
Manufacturing, tourism, retail
Population
565,923 (1990)
Cities
Reading, 78,380; Pottstown, 21,831; Pottsville (pt.), 16,603 (1996)
People
44% rural, 38% urban; 17% age 65+ (ranks seventh of 21 in state; top third
nationally); 59% married couples, 25% married couples with children; 13%
college educated (ranks 16 of 20 in state; bottom third nationally); 48%
white collar (ranks 18 of 21 in state; bottom third nationally), 38% blue
collar (ranks second of 21 in state; top third nationally) (1990)
Race
95% white, 2% black, 1% Asian; 3% Hispanic origin (1990)
Median Household Income
$28,766 (ranks 10 of 21 in state; middle third nationally) (1990)
Unusual Features
Birthplace of Daniel Boone in Exeter Township; Pottsville is home to
America's oldest active brewery, the Yuengling brewery.
Source: Congressional Quarterly (Updated April 1999)
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District 6
