12 November 2008

Pennsylvania 4th

In America’s so-called “Rust Belt”

The former steel town of Aliquippa is in the Pennsylvania 4th.

This western Pennsylvania district shares a border with Ohio and includes suburbs north of Pittsburgh, the second-largest city in the state. Steel and manufacturing have been prominent industries for decades, but have faced economic challenges. New industries like educational services and health care are currently thriving. More than 90 percent of the population in the Pennsylvania 4th is white.

NEWS FROM THE DISTRICT

• McCain Wins Pennsylvania 4th but Obama Exceeds Expectations

• Presidential Politics Muddle Western Pennsylvania Debate

• City Reflects Challenges of America’s Rust Belt

• Political Poll Gives Insight into Western Pennsylvania Voters

• Political Volunteers Fish for Voters at Pennsylvania Fair

• Pennsylvania 4th Candidates Stress Gun Owners’ Rights

• Democrats Try to Win Pennsylvania 4th's Superdelegate

• Rematch Under Way in Pennsylvania 4th District

OVERVIEW

Population: 646,609. More than 90 percent of the population is white. (2000 U.S. Census)

This steel worker is employed in one of Pennsylvania's research and development facilities.

Geography: This western Pennsylvania district shares a border with Ohio and includes suburbs north of Pittsburgh, the second-largest city in the state.

Major industries: Steel, manufacturing, educational services and health care

Congressional Leaders: Representative Jason Altmire, a Democrat, is serving his first term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Pennsylvania's senators are Arlen Specter, a fifth-term Republican, and Robert P. Casey, a first-term Democrat.

Local Newspapers: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, New Castle News

POLITICAL HISTORY

Although there are more registered Democrats than Republicans, this district tends to lean conservative. It favored George W. Bush in the past two presidential elections, even though the Democratic candidate won the state. In a year when Republicans lost many seats, Altmire pulled an upset win over Republican Congresswoman Melissa Hart in 2006. Hart is trying again in 2008, and the Pennsylvania 4th Congressional race is looking to be an exciting rematch.

KEY ISSUES

U.S. involvement in Iraq is likely to be a key issue. The economy is important to the district because the area suffered an economic downswing when steel production and manufacturing slowed. The health care industry continues to grow, ensuring health policy will be an important issue for voters who work in these businesses.

Overall satisfaction with Congress and the political parties' ability to lead might sway votes, because many credit Altmire's 2006 victory over Hart to voter dissatisfaction with the Republican majority.

INTERESTING FACTS

The chili dog, a popular American hot sandwich, was invented by Greek immigrants who came to New Castle in the early 1900s.

New Castle, home of internationally known companies S.Vitale Pyrotechnic Industries Inc. (Pyrotecnico) and Zambelli Internationale, is known as the fireworks capital of America.

James Buchanan, future 15th U.S. president, represented the district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1823 through 1831.

Entertainer Bob Hope began his career as a comedian at the Capitol Theater in New Castle in 1927, appearing in the act "Hope and Byrne, Dancers Supreme."