Political Science 2244E Lecture Notes - Primary Election, Big Tent
20 Mar 2014
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Right that means 50 different sets of rules. Ever since 2000 election, you need to have a lawyer present/ready to fight election laws. Assume a general rule: 1/3 dem + 1/3 rep +1/3 ind. Assume that incumbency advantages create ~400 safe seats in the house. Primaries (closed) are limited to registers party members. Elections require between 3. 5% and 5% of the voters. Effect median voter is skewed to the edges of political spectrum = polarization. E. g. california presidential election: parties will spend sh there because it"s a sure win for democrats and republicans know they won"t win. Forcing republicans to fight for states that they thought were sure wins* 2000 election: gore won popular vote but he lost the election to bush. Focus on nation rather than run up majorities. Swing states take many out of play. Hurts federalism: focus on 9 states and rest are ignored.
