Tag Archives: incumbency advantage

Campaign Communications in U.S. Congressional Elections

The authors have identified a cheap, easy way to capture a fuller sample of current campaign messages.

We’ve long known that most voters pay little attention to campaign rhetoric; they pay far more attention to partisanship, incumbency, and other easily accessible considerations (although rhetoric certainly has its place). Still, candidates work hard to develop arguments that, [...]

Candidate Quality, the Personal Vote, and the Incumbency Advantage in Congress

If democracy requires rotation in power, then the American Congress may not be all that democratic.

If democracy requires rotation in power, then the American Congress may not be all that democratic. In 1998, 2000, and 2002, over ninety-six percent of House incumbents who have sought reelection have won. These facts are clear.
What is less clear [...]