Economic and Referendum Voting and the Problem of Data Choice: A Reply

Abstract

Previously (Atkeson and Partin 1995), we proposed and found evidence that federalism permeates vote choice in subpresidential elections, making gubernatorial candidates subject to state-level forces and making senatorial candidates subject to national-level forces. Carsey and Wright, in replicating and cross-validating our earlier analyses, raise some valid concerns.' While we remain confident in our original argument and conclusions, we join with Carsey and Wright in concluding that choice and quality of data are far more critical problems than many of us recognize.