POLS 101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Rationality, Campaigns And Elections
Document Summary
Campaigns & elections | pols notes - february 21, 2017. Pillars of incumbency: perks, powers make laws, credit claim, privileges incumbents get for free: send mail, payola/purse have better access to money, political parties & the people, profile if they are well known, popular. Incumbents: inoculate -- remind people why they voted for a certain candidate in the past, preempt take away opponents power by saying it first, raise doubts. 40% overhead- cost of having a campaign org. 50% communications- campaign ads, social media, yard signs, etc. What embarrassing things can i find out about my opponent? (opposition research) Give money so when an issue involving their company comes up, they can request a private meeting because they donated much money. Why donate money: access- to gain access to the president/candidate, agreement- you agree with them and their message. Spending: house vs. senate, incumbents vs. Incumbent spending = trouble! (tend to do worse)