Donor Attrition in a Two-Stage Electoral System

• In Event: Poster Session: Political Organizations and Parties & Elections and Voting Behavior
  In Poster Session: Poster Session: Political Parties and Interest Groups

Abstract

Lawmakers and political observers frequently lament the central importance of campaign contributions to American politics. Despite these claims, we know relatively little about the motivations of citizens that offer financial support to candidates seeking a party’s nomination. We address this important topic in two ways. First, we describe shifts in candidate donor base ideology in the wake of a primary election victory. Second, we analyze whether individuals decide to withhold financial support for a party’s standard-bearer after their preferred primary candidate failed to advance to the general election. By coupling the Database on Ideology, Money and Politics, and Elections with extensive primary election data, we can consider the composition and durability of party support across several decades and political offices. Our findings offer practical implications for political fundraisers and contribute to existing research on campaign finance, electoral politics, and American political institutions.

Authors

• Thomas Gray, University of Texas at Dallas

• Andrew Clarke, Lafayette College

• Adam G. Hughes, Pew Research Center