General Differences Most Western democracies require party support. Once you get this, they take care of the rest In the US, elections are highly personal and require individuals to organize, fundraise and campaign. Parties less influential at the state and national level than the past due to primary elections Much easier to run and win for Congress as their races are much less competitive than the presidency and can deliver direct benefits to voters Off-year elections often to lead to losses in Congress from the President’s parties (Ex and 2014).

What it takes to run for President Money: Lots needed for staff, offices, travel, advertising and, increasingly, social media specialists Theme: Basic idea of why people should vote for you and what makes you unique and compelling Strategy: Who are you going to get to vote for you and how?

Primary to General election (Presidency) Caucuses: People assemble to debate, discuss and choose who they support for President. First is held in Iowa and whoever wins gets momentum Primary: Voting for candidates of a single party. First is held in New Hampshire. Winner either gains, takes or sustains momentum in race for president. Candidates must strategically determine where they can win and how More Conservative candidates do well in SC primary and Iowa Caucuses while more liberal candidates fare better in NH and PA Primaries

The Issues Position Issues: A candidate’s stance on a major issue that divides the American electorate in a significant way (Ex. Minimum wage, Obamacare) and is a way to contrast candidates of opposite parties. Valence Issues: Issues that are broadly supported by the voters (Ex. Low unemployment). Candidates must show how they will address those issues. Personality Issues: Non-policy related issues-Ex. Obama’s citizenship, Clinton’s infidelity, Romney’s wealth. Elections include a combination but increasingly less on position issues that are poorly understood by most

Television and the media Positive or negative media coverage can make or break a primary campaign or close election Includes TV advertisements, news stories, internet videos and televised debates Debates CAN be important IF A CANDIDATE’S PERFORMANCE IS EXCEPTIONAL, good or bad Internet has become EXTREMELY important since 2008, especially social networking.

What about money in politics bothers Americans?? All men are not created equal in the voting booth Money buys votes Money buys people influence without being elected to office It is the “un-American” American way

How is money different in Presidential elections compared to Congressional elections? Presidential Public Financing Most money comes from private donors Usually take very little PAC money Must raise $5000 in 20 states from small contributions of $250 or less Must abide by spending limits if fed. $ is used Congressional No Public Financing Most money comes from private donors Usually take some PAC money Incumbents use franking privilege (free mail)

Campaign Finance Rules Reforms stemmed from unethical and illegal practices by Nixon’s 1972 re- election campaign (CREEP) What reforms were put into place by the 1974 legislation? Rules on who can give & disclosure Limits on contribution amounts Federal Financing Federal enforcement

WARNING! Every time a law is written, a loophole is created to get around the law!

Results of the 1974 Reforms The “legalizing” of PACs Independent expenditures Buckley v. Valeo (LOOPHOLE!) Soft money (LOOPHOLE!) (LOOPHOLE!) “Bundled” contributions (LOOPHOLE!) The further weakening of parties Longer campaigns Wealthier candidates Higher incumbency reelection

Federal Funds Rules Candidates must disclose all contributions over $100 to the FEC (name, address & occupation) No foreign contributions; No cash over $100 An individual may not give over $2000 to a candidate’s campaign each election cycle PACs must register 6 mos. Before election, have at least 50 contributing members, and give to at least 5 candidates PACs can spend on ads on a candidate their legal contribution ($5000) Other groups may fund electioneering ads, but may not coordinate with candidates or parties.

Sources of Money Where?: Candidates themselves Individuals PACs Federal Government Who cannot give directly to campaigns? Unions Biz organizations Foreigners

Who dictates how elections are won? Party: Can provide lots of money, labor (paid and volunteer) and a helpful association Campaign: Strong, appealing message that generates enthusiasm and votes while allowing voters to judge candidate character and how they handle tough situations Coalition: A large cross-section of different groups that support you in the election Reagan in 1980: Evangelical Christians, Conservative, blue-collar Democrats, business owners and leaders Obama in 2008 and 2012: Millennials, racial minorities, LGBT and women

Decline and Alignment Critical Realignment periods: Major shifts in parties and voters. Examples include 1860 ( Republican Party), 1932 ( Democrats), 1964 (Democrats AND Republicans re-aligned) and 1980 (Republicans) Split-Tickets: Voting for one party at one level and another at the national level (Presidency). Has occurred since However, more people strongly identify with one party over another in elections.

Reasons party identity doesn’t determine election winners Cannot be just party identification because the Democrats would ALWAYS win because more people identify with them. Have lost 7 of 12 Presidential Elections since 1968! Dems. Less “wedded” to their party GOP does better w/ independents Reps. Have higher voter turnout

Other factors that determine election winners Issues, especially the economy V.O Key: Most voters who switch parties do so in their own interests Voters know what issues affect them They have strong principles on issues Retrospective voting: Am I better off than I was 4 years ago? Prospective voting: Will national conditions improve if I vote for a certain candidate?

Why do elections have little impact on public policy? Many offices to be filled at three levels Coalitions are weak and easily broken or changed Do elections even really matter in the US?