Description
Book SynopsisThis book analyzes continuity and change in elections to the U.S. House of Representatives from the early 1970s to the late 1990s, with emphasis on the elections of 1994, 1996, and 1998. Most of the essays closely examine these recent elections, documenting the erosion of incumbency and insulation, but pointing out important continuities.
Trade Review"Given the relatively saturated nature of scholarship on congressional elections, it is indeed a compliment to say that
Continuity and Change in House Elections, edited by David W. Brady, John F. Cogan, and Morris P. Fiorina, makes a significant contribution to the literature. It convincingly explains why the Republicans gained the majority in the House in 1994. Moreover, the contributors nicely point the way toward a new approach to House elections that more explicitly incorporates political parties and national-level policy into vote choice and election results. . . . This impressive collection articulates a convincing rationale, and demonstrates strong evidence, for [a new theory of congressional elections]."—
The Journal of Politics"Virtually all of the articles in this collection are excellent. . . . The essays in this book provide important insights into the 1994 and 1996 elections. . . ."—
Canadian Journal of Political Science"This edited volume is a major contribution to the literature on congressional elections. The chapters present solid empirical work and fit well together. In addition to providing a thoughtful analysis of the election of 1994, the editors have put together a volume that will give the reader an overview of the major trends, empirical measures, and theoretical questions that motivate this field of research."—
American Political Science ReviewTable of Contents1. An introduction to continuity and change in congressional elections David W. Brady, John Cogan and Morris P. Fiorina 2. Reversal of fortune: the transformation of US house elections in the 1990s Gary C. Jacobson 3. Partisan changes in the Southern congressional delegation and the consequences Charles S. Bullock III 4. Money and office: the sources of the incumbency advantage in Congressional Campaign finance Stephen Ansolabhere and James Snyder 5. The electoral impact of majority-minority districts David Epstein and Sharyn O'Halloran 6. Public disapproval of Congress can be dangerous to majority party candidates: the uniqueness of 1994 John R. Hibbing and Eric Tiritilli 7. The nationalization of electoral forces revisited David Brady, Robert D'Onofrio and Morris Fiorina 8. Representation of constituency ideology in Congress Robert S. Erikson and Gerald C. Wright 9. Out of step, out of office: legislative voting behavior and House Election outcomes David W. Brady, Brandice J. Canes and John F. Cogan 10. Causes and consequences of issue emphasis by house challengers in the 1994 elections Richard Hess and David Leal 11. The electoral connection between party and constituency reconsidered: evidence from the US House of Representatives, 1972-94 Melissa P. Collie and John L. Mason.
