U.S. House, Pennsylvania - 10th District
Northeast -- Central Susquehanna Valley
Race Forecast: Leans Democratic
2008: Rep.
2006:
A Sherwood sex scandal in 2006 helped elect Carney, though the Democrat brought some of his talents to bear in that election and it would be a mistake to call him an accidental congressman. Republican nominee Chris Hackett, the president of a human resources firm, is emphasizing the social-issue and economic conservatism and accusing Carney of voting too frequently with more liberal Democratic leaders. Carney has hit Hackett for some past tax liens and for railing against illegal immigrants despite once having one in his employ. This is one of the most heavily Republican districts in the nation that is held by a Democratic, so Carney is bracing for a close race. But he merits the edge.
Race Information
- Incumbent: Rep. Christopher Carney, D
- First Elected: 2006 (1st term)
- Last Elected: 2006 (52.94%)
- Incumbent Status: Running for re-election
- Race Forecast: Leans Democratic
District Information
Politics in America District Profile
Situated in the upper northeastern corner of Pennsylvania, the 10th is home to a portion of the Pocono Mountains region, a retreat known for its skiing, fishing and golfing.
The four Central Susquehanna Valley counties of Northumberland, Union, Snyder and Montour account for 30 percent of the population and contribute to the 10th’s manufacturing, retail and service industries. Northumberland has many manufacturers, while Snyder includes the Susquehanna Valley Mall. Montour is home to the Geisinger Health System and Danville State Hospital, which employ many residents.
The 10th includes some of the state’s best areas for lumber and agriculture. The latter is particularly prominent in Bradford County, which is among the state and national leaders in dairy production, and in Northumberland and Snyder counties, known for their poultry. Tourism remains strong, especially during summer, when visitors come for the scenery in the district’s east and for the Little League World Series, played annually in South Williamsport (in the neighboring 5th), in its western reaches. Fast-growing Pike County includes many commuters to New Jersey and New York City who prefer its small-town setting, cheaper land and access to main highways.
The 10th has large swaths of rural, socially conservative heartland and is predominately Republican. Democrats crop up in Carbondale and Archbald in Lackawanna County and in parts of Northumberland County, but most voters are heavily inclined to support the GOP.
Major Industry
Agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, timber
Cities
Williamsport, 30,706
Notable
The mammoth Starrucca Viaduct has carried trains across Lanesboro since 1848.
- Demographics (2000 census)
- Population: 646,534
- Under 18: 23.5%
- Over 65: 16.6%
- Married: 59%
- Non-Hispanic White: 95%
- Black: 2%
- Hispanic: 1%
- Asian: 0%
- Foreign Born: 2%
- Language other than English: 5.0%
- Median Household Income: 35,996
- Owner Occupied Housing: 75.7%
- Income above $200k: 1.2
- Workforce/Education (2000 census)
- White Collar: 53%
- Blue Collar: 32.0%
- Services: 15.4%
- Bachelor's Degree: 17%
- Graduate Education: 6.5%
- Civilian Veterans: 75,494
| Year | Election | Candidate | Votes | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | general | Christopher Carney (D) | 159,072 | 56.4% |
| Chris Hackett (R) | 123,065 | 43.6% | ||
| 2006 | general | Christopher Carney (D) | 110,115 | 52.9% |
| Don Sherwood (R) | 97,862 | 47% | ||
| 2004 | general | Don Sherwood (R) | 191,967 | 92.8% |
| Veronica Hannevig (CNSTP) | 14,805 | 7.2% | ||
| 2002 | general | Don Sherwood (R) | 152,017 | 92.9% |
| Kurt Shotko (GREEN) | 11,613 | 7.1% | ||
| Year | Democrat | Republican | Independent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | John Kerry: 40% | George W. Bush: 60% | |
| 2000 | Al Gore: 40% | George W. Bush: 56% |
Campaign Finance Details for the 2008 Race
| Filers | Through | Total Receipts | Total Disbursements | Total From PACs | Total From Individuals | Ending Cash | Debts Owed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SHERWOOD, DONALD L. (R) | December 31, 2006 | ||||||
| MEUSER, DANIEL P (R) | June 30, 2008 | $2,479,994.00 | $2,479,994.00 | $533,247.00 | $1,890,998.00 | ||
| CARNEY, CHRISTOPHER (D) | November 24, 2008 | $2,342,165.00 | $2,303,966.00 | $179,250.00 | $1,169,057.00 | $55,727.00 | |
| MCDADE, JOSEPH M (R) | September 30, 2008 | $1,545.00 | $24,360.00 | $48,430.00 | |||
| HACKETT, CHRISTOPHER (R) | November 30, 2008 | $2,565,110.00 | $2,553,644.00 | $94,161.00 | $994,749.00 | $11,460.00 | |
| HAIRE, DAVIS (R) | September 30, 2008 | $48,696.00 | $43,330.00 | $450.00 | $5,366.00 | ||
| ELY, DONALD J (R) | April 15, 2008 | $20,000.00 | $9,998.00 | ||||
| SWIDERSKI, PAUL R (R) | March 31, 2008 | $6,627.00 | $6,597.00 | $3,178.00 | $30.00 | $316.00 | |
