The costs of representation in state legislatures: Explaining variations in campaign spending

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-2000

Abstract

Objective. Campaign costs have grown rapidly in recent years. This analysis considers the amount of money candidates allocated in running for the state legislature. What factors associated with candidates, districts, and states are responsible for variations in campaign costs? Of particular concern is the impact of campaign finance regulations. Are laws aimed at restricting contributions effective at reducing overall levels of campaign spending as is often assumed to be the case? Methods. This analysis examines spending by 3,253 state legislative candidates running in twenty-seven states in the mid-1990s. Results. A number of factors are found to influence campaign spending although these effects often vary by type of candidate. In particular, contribution limits and public funding reduce spending for incumbents while public funding leads to higher levels of challenger spending. Conclusions. Campaign finance laws affect spending levels, but candidate-and district-level factors also have a large impact. Several of these findings have implications for understanding the role of money in elections and for anticipating the effects of possible reform measures.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Social Science Quarterly

First Page

941

Last Page

956

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