Abstract
Theoretically, campaign contribution restrictions can either lead to closer elections or amount to incumbent protection devices. States are a natural laboratory to examine the effect of contribution restrictions on election outcomes. We analyze elections to the state Houses from 1980 to 1999 and determine whether candidates's vote shares are altered by changes in state campaign contribution restrictions. We find that limits on giving lowers future incumbents' vote shares but have little effect on the vote shares of incumbents who passed the campaign finance legislation. Stricter contribution limits also draw more candidates into the race, narrowing the margin of victory and leading to more incumbent defeats.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.