CQ Risk Rating: Safe Republican 
| GENERAL ELECTION: NOVEMBER 7, 2000 |
|
| Robert W. Goodlatte (R) | 153,338 | 99% |
| write-ins | 1,145 | 1% |
| PRIMARY ELECTION: JUNE 13, 2000 |
|
| | Votes | Percentage | | Republican |
| Robert W. Goodlatte | Unopposed |
Source: Congressional Quarterly. To suggest updates and corrections: politics.feedback@cq.com
Major Industry | Population | Cities | People | Race | Median Household Income | Unusual Features
VIRGINIA 6
:
West - Roanoke; Lynchburg
Running along the Shenandoah Valley, the conservative 6th is a collage
of mountainous terrain, small towns, medium-sized cities and natural beauty.
The 6th has one of the largest populations of senior citizens in the state,
a mostly white-collar population and a generous dose of Republicans.
The brand of Republicanism in the rural valley has traditionally been a
moderate one. The 1992 election of Republican Rep. Goodlatte ended the
Democrats' decade-long domination of the 6th seat, but Democrats still won
in local elections in the 1990s and remain competitive in towns north of
Roanoke such as Covington and Clifton Forge. Chemical plants and pulpwood
and paper mills are in this area, but high unemployment is a persistent
problem. While Roanoke, the district's major population center, has a strong
Democratic base with union ties, Republicans have done well in Roanoke's
suburbs, in Lynchburg and in most rural areas.
Roanoke has a variety of industries, including furniture and electrical
products manufacturing. Both Roanoke and Lynchburg saw their populations
grow moderately in the 1990s, fueled by manufacturing. Outside the Roanoke
and Lynchburg metropolitan areas, the 6th depends mainly on dairy farming,
livestock and poultry. In the north, Rockingham County leads the state in
livestock and hay production. Tourists traveling to the district's national
parks and numerous caverns also help boost the local economy.
Major Industry
Agriculture, livestock, manufacturing
Population
562,426 (1990)
Cities
Roanoke, 95,548; Lynchburg, 67,250; Harrisonburg, 33,446 (1996)
People
45% urban, 34% rural; 15% age 65+ (first of 11 in state; top third
nationally); 57% married couples, 24% married couples with children; 17%
college educated (ranks seventh of 11 in state; middle third nationally);
53% white collar (ranks seventh of 11 in state; bottom third nationally),
31% blue collar (ranks fourth of 11 in state; top third nationally) (1990)
Race
88% white, 11% black, 1% Asian; 1% Hispanic origin (1990)
Median Household Income
$27,155 (ranks eighth of 11 in state; middle third nationally) (1990)
Unusual Features
Lynchburg is the home of evangelist Jerry Falwell's Liberty U. and Thomas
Road Baptist Church; President Woodrow Wilson born in Staunton (pronounced
"STANTON").
Source: Congressional Quarterly (Updated April 1999)
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District 6
