82 years since the Third's seen a Republican

Since it was restored after the census of 1950, a Republican has never represented the Seventh District.

But the real prize is the Third, a seat that has catapulted several of the state's leading Democrats and is the longest to go without changing hands.

The Republicans have not represented the Third District since 1926, when GOP Rep. John P. Hill sought election to the U.S. Senate instead, opening up the seat for Vincent L. Palmisano, one of 11 Democratic gains  in the Coolidge midterm.

In 1938, he sought - and lost - renomination to a 34 year-old rising star, Thomas D'Alessandro, Jr.

Excluding its present occupant, John Sarbanes, three of his four successors have run for higher office: the U.S. Senate.

And unlike John Hill, they won.