CQ Risk Rating: Safe Republican 
| GENERAL ELECTION: NOVEMBER 7, 2000 |
|
| George W. Gekas (R) | 166,236 | 72% |
| Leslye Hess Herrmann (D) | 66,190 | 28% |
| PRIMARY ELECTION: APRIL 4, 2000 |
|
| | Votes | Percentage | | Democratic |
| Leslye Hess Herrmann | 14,356 | 100% |
| | Republican |
| George W. Gekas | 45,221 | 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 17
:
South Central - Harrisburg
Anchored in south-central Pennsylvania, the 17th is home to Harrisburg,
the state capital, which sits 100 miles west of Philadelphia and 150 miles
east of Pittsburgh. Here, in Republican-minded central Pennsylvania, state
government and manufacturing remain king.
Harrisburg's skyline is dominated by the capitol building, topped with a
dome inspired by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Inside these walls are many
Democratic state government workers and legislative staffers, the only
reliably Democratic stronghold in the district. Those wanting a real taste
of Dauphin County skip Harrisburg and go to Hershey, also know as
"Chocolatetown, U.S.A." The chocolate factory stands at the center of town,
emanating the most pleasant of industrial odors.
Not only in Dauphin, but in Lebanon County as well, computer and
electrical components manufacturing helps run the economy. The construction
of distribution centers that store office supplies, hardware and computer
parts is also on the rise. The economy is thriving in the 17th, and the work
force is not large enough to satisfy the demand for labor.
Major Industry
Light manufacturing, government, tourism
Military Bases
Carlisle Barracks, 671 military, 676 civilian; Fort Indiantown Gap, 579
military, 441 civilian (1995)
Population
565,702 (1990)
Cities
Harrisburg, 50,886; Lebanon, 23,791 (1996); Colonial Park (unincorporated),
13,777 (1990)
People
47% urban, 39% rural; 14% age 65+ (ranks 17 of 21 in state; middle third
nationally); 59% married couples, 27% married couples with children; 16%
college educated (ranks 10 of 21 in state; middle third nationally); 55%
white collar (ranks 12 of 21 in state; middle third nationally), 31% blue
collar (ranks ninth of 21 in state; top third nationally) (1990)
Race
91% white, 7% black, 1% Asian; 2% Hispanic origin (1990)
Median Household Income
$31,841 (ranks seventh of 21 in state; middle third nationally) (1990)
Unusual Features
Street lights in the town of Hershey are shaped like Hershey Kisses; The
Milton Hershey School's Founders Hall has the largest unsupported dome in
the Western Hemisphere; Wilt Chamberlain scored NBA-record 100 points in a
single game in Hershey.
Source: Congressional Quarterly (Updated April 1999)
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District 17
