MARYLAND
Population (1994): 5,006,000 (up 4.7% from 1990), 2.0% of U.S. total
Voting-age population: 3,750,000; 1994 turnout, 36%
Median age: 33 years
Median household income: $39,198 ($6,934 above U.S. median)
Unemployment: 4.8% (0.8% below U.S. average, March 1996)
Last presidential election: Clinton (D): 50% Bush (R): 36% Perot (I): 14%
Congressional delegation: Six Democrats, four Republicans
Maryland's northern border is the famous Mason-Dixon line, traditionally the demarcation between North and South. During the mid-19th century, Maryland was a major immigration center, and its ethnic diversity still sets it apart from many southern regions. The state also boasts demographic variety, from urban Baltimore to the rustic, Southern-styled Eastern Shore and the hills of the western panhandle. The eight House seats are divided equally between the parties, and while its political differences are great, when taken as a whole, Maryland is moderate with a slight Democratic edge, like the nation itself.
STEPHEN EASTAUGH (D) District 1 (Cross Bay--Eastern Shore; Annapolis; Glen Burnie)
BORN: May 16, 1952, Boston EDUCATION: Harvard U, B.A., 1973, M.S., 1975; Johns Hopkins U, Sc.D., 1978 FAMILY: Wife, Janet; one child RELIGION: Protestant MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Professor of public health and economic policy POLITICAL CAREER: Sought Democratic nomination for U.S. House, 1994 ADDRESS: 7125 Chandler Drive, Berlin 21811. Tel.: 410-647-8683
In order to better define his own moderate stances, Eastaugh has painted G.O.P. incumbent Wayne Gilchrest as a Newt Gingrich crony and environmental Johnny-come-lately. Eastaugh emphasizes his own participation in the original Earth Day (while at Harvard) and his support for small-business tax incentives. He agrees with his opponent, however, in advocating overhaul of cumbersome government programs.
THE ISSUES
Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)
QUOTE OF NOTE: "Medicare is the real Contract with America, and Gilchrest and Gingrich have no right to break it. And they won't if I have anything to do with it."
WAYNE GILCHREST (R) District 1
BORN: April 15, 1946, Rahway, N.J. EDUCATION: Wesley College, A.A., 1971; Delaware State U, B.A., 1973 FAMILY: Wife, Barbara; three children RELIGION: Methodist MILITARY: Marines, 1964-68 OCCUPATION: Teacher POLITICAL CAREER: U.S. House, 1990- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 644, Townsend Building, Chestertown 21620. Tel.: 410-778-9460
Gilchrest's quixotic career includes heroic service in Vietnam--he received a Navy Commendation Medal--17 years teaching high school, and work as a forest ranger and barn builder. Noted for his fiscal conservatism, he has shown independence from the G.O.P. by backing the assault-weapons ban.
THE ISSUES
Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)