CQ Risk Rating: Safe Republican 
| GENERAL ELECTION: NOVEMBER 7, 2000 |
|
| Joseph R. Pitts (R) | 162,403 | 67% |
| Robert S. Yorczyk (D) | 80,177 | 33% |
| PRIMARY ELECTION: APRIL 4, 2000 |
|
| | Votes | Percentage | | Democratic |
| Robert S. Yorczyk | 9,517 | 100% |
| | Republican |
| Joseph R. Pitts | 34,781 | 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 16
:
Southeastern - Lancaster
Located in southeastern Pennsylvania, the 16th includes almost all of
Lancaster and part of Chester counties. Commonly referred to as
"Pennsylvania Dutch Country," the 16th is reliably Republican.
The strong work ethic of the local labor force and the district's
proximity to major roadways attract companies to the area, which is central
to the mid-Atlantic's major markets. Economic expansion has brought in new
residents, and some of the area's farmland has been built over with tract
housing. From 1990 to 1996, Chester was the state's sixth-fastest growing
county in population. Although the 16th welcomes this development, farm
preservation remains a major concern, especially in Lancaster, an area
ranked among the top nationally in agricultural product sales. Tourism also
enhances the 16th's robust economy. Some 4.6 million tourists annually flock
to Dutch Country to gaze at Amish horse-drawn carriages, browse at quilt
shops and dine in family style restaurants.
Lancaster, with its Amish heritage, sets the district's conservative
political tone. Since the dawn of the Civil War, the 16th has favored the
Republican Party at the national and local levels. Voters in Chester County
tend to be more socially moderate than their counterparts in Lancaster
County.
Major Industry
Agriculture, tourism, manufacturing
Population
565,908 (1990)
Cities
Lancaster, 53,597; West Chester, 17,958; Coatesville, 10,827 (1996)
People
52% urban; 12% age 65+ (ranks 20 of 21 in state; middle third nationally);
64% married couples, 31% married couples with children; 24% college educated
(ranks fourth of 21 in state; top third nationally); 57% white collar (ranks
eighth of 21 in state; middle third nationally), 28% blue collar (ranks 11
of 21 in state; middle third nationally) (1990)
Race
92% white, 5% black, 1% Asian; 4% Hispanic origin (1990)
Median Household Income
$37,553 (ranks fourth of 21 in state; top third nationally) (1990)
Unusual Features
Longwood Gardens, a 1,050-acre horticultural park created by the du Pont
family; One of the architects of the U.S. Capitol designed the Chester
County Courthouse; Kennett Square in Chester County is known for its
mushroom farms, which rely on a large migrant workforce.
Source: Congressional Quarterly (Updated April 1999)
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District 16
