Van Heerde, J;
(2003)
Strategy and Choice: Resource Allocation in the U.S. Senate, 1990-1994.
Doctoral thesis , UNSPECIFIED.
Abstract
This study adds to the extant literature on congressional elections by examining campaign expenditures and resource allocation strategies for U.S. Senate candidates (1990-94). Utilizing a modified version of the rational political expectations thesis (Jacobson and Kernell 1981), I argue that the decision to allocate campaign-controlled resources is strategic behavior conditioned by a candidate’s campaign environment. Whereas previous studies have focused on candidate attribute, electoral and state context variables on resource allocation, this study provides a systematic analysis of the impact of electoral uncertainty on resource allocation decisions. Election campaigns are difficult enterprises, and consequently, candidates are plagued by varying levels of electoral uncertainty. I demonstrate that allocation strategies vary according to campaign environment, and candidates can best manage electoral uncertainty by strategically allocating resources to those advertising mediums that best serve the needs of their campaign in communicating with voters. Data for the study are drawn from two sources, the Campaign Study Group’s collection of Federal Election Commission data on receipts and expenditures, and from interviews with political consultants. The study produces a number of important results. First, spending patterns vary systematically by candidate status, level of competition and resources. Second, uncertainty is a significant predictor of proportion of resources allocated to broadcast advertising and total expenditures. Third, despite claims that the increasing cost of congressional elections are the result of high-tech advertising costs, candidates spend roughly fifty cents of every dollar on overhead or campaign support activity. And finally, challengers continue to be under-funded vis-à-vis incumbents and consequently, fail to mount serious, competitive campaigns.
| Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Title: | Strategy and Choice: Resource Allocation in the U.S. Senate, 1990-1994 |
| Keywords: | campaign spending, congressional elections |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL SLASH UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL SLASH > Faculty of S&HS UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL SLASH > Faculty of S&HS > Dept of Political Science |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/36428 |
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