CQ Risk Rating: Safe Republican 
| GENERAL ELECTION: NOVEMBER 7, 2000 |
|
| Bud Shuster (R) | 184,401 | 100% |
| PRIMARY ELECTION: APRIL 4, 2000 |
|
| | Votes | Percentage | | Republican |
| Bud Shuster | 37,252 | 100% |
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
PENNSYLVANIA 9
:
South Central - Altoona
Situated in the south-central part of Pennsylvania, the 9th contains no
booming metropolis - Altoona, the largest city, is nestled in the Allegheny
Mountains and maintains a small-town feel. Most of the towns have
populations under 5,000, making this one of the most rural districts in the
nation.
After decades of decline brought about by waning railroad and mining
industries, the area has begun to rebound. Once again residents can thank
transportation-related industry for the growth. Bedford County saw its job
creation rate shoot up as improvements began on the aging Pennsylvania
Turnpike (which opened as the nation's first superhighway in 1940). And the
city of Breezewood continues to draw in travelers with its garish display of
neon signs adorning hotels and fast-food restaurants at the turnpike
interchange.
Still, the bulk of the district's land is rural and dependent on
agriculture. The 9th also includes some of Centre County, home of
Pennsylvania State U. Although State College is in the 5th, outlying towns
such as Port Matilda and Philipsburg are in the 9th.
The district has a religious population, one of the most conservative in
the state. Voters oppose most gun control and other "big government"
policies. The 9th's small business owners and farmers tend also to be
fiscally conservative. Voters went solidly for Republican presidential
candidates in 1992 and '96. The GOP controls most local offices.
Major Industry
Agriculture, manufacturing, services
Military Bases
Letterkenny Army Depot, 5 military, 2,300 civilian (1998)
Population
565,858 (1990)
Cities
Altoona, 50,101; Chambersburg, 17,202 (1996)
People
70% rural; 15% age 65+ (ranks 11 of 21 in state; top third nationally); 63%
married couples, 28% married couples with children; 10% college educated
(ranks 21 of 21 in state; bottom third nationally); 44% white collar (ranks
21 of 21 in state; bottom third nationally), 39% blue collar (ranks first of
21 in state, top third nationally) (1990)
Race
98% white, 1% black, 0% Asian; 0% Hispanic origin (1990)
Median Household Income
$24,309 (ranks 18 of 21 in state, bottom third nationally) (1990)
Unusual Features
President James Buchanan, a native of Mercersburg, vacationed in Bedford
Springs.
Source: Congressional Quarterly (Updated April 1999)
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District 9
