Pivotal Power Brokers: Theory and Evidence On Political Fundraising
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2005
Department
Political Science, International Development, and International Affairs
Abstract
This study examines the campaign fundraising success of Senate incumbents that have a unique, pivotal status (legislatively) in the Senate with regards to parliamentary procedures (e.g., the filibuster). Regression estimates place the fundraising advantage, in favor of certain pivotal moderates over all other Senators, at about $2.12 million (in real terms) in total contribution per 2-yr election cycle. Pivotal status is even more significant in explaining variations in PAC contribution in the U.S. Senate, given that individuals who make contributions are not likely to be as interested as PACs in 'buying policy.' The results also suggest that Krehbiel's Pivotal Politics (Krehbiel, K. (1988). Pivotal Politics: A Theory of U.S. lawmaking. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago press.) construct warrants modification, given that it offers prediction about policy outcomes and gridlock intervals without fully incorporating interest group politics of the 'vote-buying' or 'policy-buying' variety.
Publication Title
Public Choice
Volume
123
Issue
3-4
First Page
477
Last Page
493
Recommended Citation
Mixon, F. G.,
Crocker, C. C.,
Black, H. T.
(2005). Pivotal Power Brokers: Theory and Evidence On Political Fundraising. Public Choice, 123(3-4), 477-493.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/2941