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TEXAS/
U.S. House 21
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Lamar Smith (R)Elected: 1986 (8th term) Hometown: San Antonio Born: November 19, 1947; San Antonio, Texas Religion: Christian Scientist Family: Wife, Elizabeth Smith; two children Education: Yale U., B.A. 1969; Southern Methodist U., J.D. 1975 Career: Lawyer; rancher Political Highlights: Texas House, 1981-82; Bexar County Commissioners Court, 1983-85; U.S. House, 1987-present Committees: Judiciary ( Constitution; Crime - chairman; Immigration & Claims); Science ( Research; Space & Aeronautics) Address: 2231 Rayburn House Office Building, Independence Ave. and S. Capitol St., S.W., Washington, DC, 20515-4321 Phone: (202) 225-4236 Fax: (202) 225-8628 E-mail: www.house.gov/writerep Web site: www.house.gov/lamarsmith Source: Congressional Quarterly (Updated: November 10, 2000). To suggest updates and corrections: politics.feedback@cq.com
TEXAS 21
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South Central - Western Bexar County; Austin suburbs
The 21st's odd shape reflects the lengths to which Texas mapmakers went
in 1992 to divide Democratic and Republican neighborhoods. Because of their
efforts, the district remains largely conservative territory. Its huge land
mass takes in all or part of 21 counties, from oil-rich Midland County in
the northwest, to the northeastern Austin suburbs in Williamson County and
San Antonio's metro area in the southeast.
Almost one-fourth of the district's population lives in Bexar County,
most in the middle- and upper-class neighborhoods of San Antonio. The 21st
also takes in San Angelo's wealthier neighborhoods where the mostly white
residents are well-educated professionals, many of whom work in the
high-tech industry. The district's military and farming populations deliver
a consistently Republican vote at the local and national levels.
Nearby military bases contribute to the 21st's economy and account for
the district's large numbers of active and retired military personnel. While
the diverse economy has remained relatively strong, the late 1990s brought
signs of an economic slow-down in Midland County's oil industry and
elsewhere in the district as ranchers and farmers applied for federal
drought and flood assistance.
© 2002 The Washington Post Company |
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