Elections Flashcards
media consultants
create advertisements and buy airtime from networks
direct-mail firms
design and produce mailings to promote candidate or solicit money
polling forms
survey voters on attitudes toward issues and candidates to run focus groups
political technology firms
to supply services such as web site design, online advertising, online fundraising, and voter-targeting
most expensive category for campaigns is…
media messages
how are polls used in campaigns?
use results to shape tv ads, other campaign communications, positions on issues, and how they dress
what is the top reason for large campaign spending
candidates practice what political professionals preach and purchase what they produce
individual or organization effort for campaign
individual
differences between midterms and presidential elections
size
presidential races are more competitive
smaller proportion of people vote in midterm
members of Congress can do things for constituents that a president cannot
Duck responsibility or accept (Congress)
incumbent
the person already holding an elective office
coattails
the alleged tendency of candidates to win more votes in an election because of the presence at the top of the ticket of a better-known candidate, such as the president
reasons incumbent Congress members get reelected
low voter turnout
services to constituents
ability to duck responsibility
steps in running
get mentioned, start early, have experience
political action committee
a committee set up by a corporation or labor union, or interest group that raises and spends campaign money from voluntary donations
effect of primaries on campaigns
- Given people more of a say, not party bosses
- More ideological candidates with less electability
- Gives more media attention to early winners
- Primaries were critical in getting mass appeal to counteract the CFR
- End of WTA led to more steady, gradual wins
