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- Title
An Elite Theory of Political Consulting and Its Implications for U.S. House Election Competition.
- Authors
Cain, Sean
- Abstract
Does the hiring of political consultants make election races more competitive? If so, why? Most scholars of political consulting argue their expertise enhances competition; I argue that consultant reputation also boosts competition. Many political consultants are part of the Washington establishment, which notices their association with candidates. In particular, congressional candidates of the out party, especially challengers, have an incentive to hire the most reputable consultants to signal to political elites their viability. I demonstrate a positive empirical relationship between out-party candidates hiring top consultants (compared to less reputable ones) and how competitive their race is perceived by elites. These findings and theoretical insight provide a basis for understanding the high costs of political consultants and their impact on election outcomes.
- Subjects
UNITED States; UNITED States. Congress. House; CONSULTING firms; POLITICAL campaigns; UNITED States elections; REPUBLICAN Party (U.S. : 1854- ); DEMOCRATIC Party (U.S.); INCUMBENCY (Public officers); CAMPAIGN funds; POLITICAL candidates -- Services for; POLITICAL elites; REPUTATION; ELECTIONS
- Publication
Political Behavior, 2011, Vol 33, Issue 3, p375
- ISSN
0190-9320
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s11109-010-9140-y