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WASHINGTON/
U.S. House 3
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Brian Baird (D)Elected: 1998 (2nd term) Defeated state Sen. Don Benton, R, to succeed Rep. Linda Smith, R, who ran for Senate. Hometown: Vancouver Born: March 7, 1956; Chama, N.M. Religion: Protestant Family: Wife, Rachel Nugent Education: U. of Utah, B.S. 1977; U. of Wyoming, M.S. 1980; Ph.D. 1984 Career: Professor; psychologist Political Highlights: Democratic nominee for U.S. House, 1996; U.S. House, 1999-present Committees: Science ( Space & Aeronautics); Transportation & Infrastructure ( Highways and Transit; Water Resources & Environment) Address: 1721 Longworth House Office Building, Independence Ave. and S. Capitol St., S.E., Washington, DC, 20515-4703 Phone: (202) 225-3536 Fax: (202) 225-3478 E-mail: brian.baird@mail.house.gov Web site: www.house.gov/baird Source: Congressional Quarterly (Updated: May 05, 2000). To suggest updates and corrections: politics.feedback@cq.com 
Voting studies, participation and interest group rankings are unavailable for newly elected members. Source: Congressional Quarterly (Updated April 1999) 
WASHINGTON 3
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Southwest - Olympia; Vancouver
The Columbia River snakes west along the 3rd's eastern and southern
boundaries until it spills into the Pacific Ocean. The Cascade Mountains and
surrounding forests provided this southwest region of the state with a
once-booming timber industry. But as the area's explosive growth continues,
trees and farmland are being cleared to make way for suburban developments.
When the timber industry suffered severe cutbacks in the 1990s, many of
the workers eventually transferred into non-union jobs with high-tech
companies. Clark County's population grew by nearly 30 percent from 1990 to
1996 as many Portland, Ore., workers prefer cheaper land prices in
Washington. But in some parts of the district, home prices have tripled in
10 years, and small farmers have been pushed out; some dairy families
relocated to Idaho.
The 3rd had been Democratic from 1961 until a Republican won its
congressional seat in 1994. The rural communities vote Republican, and
Thurston County votes Democratic, leaving Clark County as the battleground
for the district. With rates of growth in the double digits, voters have
demanded infrastructure improvements to relieve traffic congestion and
overcrowding in schools.
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U.S. House 3
