1. 4-2: Congressional Elections

2. Background House elections—every 2 years
Senate elections—1/3 every 2 years
6-year term
Victory requires a plurality
No term limits

3. Incumbency Factor Overview Incumbent—seeking reelection Safe seats
90% of House members usually reelected
75% of Senators usually reelected
States more diverse than districts
High-profile candidates
During the last 50 years, incumbency has been the single most important factor in determining the outcome of congressional elections.

4. Incumbency Factor Reasons Money PACs contribute to incumbents
10:1 ratio
Visibility
Constituent Service
Casework
Pork/Earmarks
Franking
Gerrymandering
Partisanship
Pork is legislation that allows representatives to bring money and jobs to their district. Incumbents often sit on committees that enable them to earmark, or designate, specific projects for their district. Pork helps representatives earn a reputation for service to their district.
The franking privilege refers to the right of members of Congress to mail newsletters to their constituents at the government’s expense. Within recent years, members of Congress have extended the franking privilege to include s and recorded phone calls.
Members of the House often represent districts that have been deliberately gerrymandered to include voting blocs that support incumbents. Gerrymandered districts discourage strong challengers from trying to compete with incumbents.

5. Consequences Experienced leaders Discourages change
No campaign finance reform
Low congressional approval

6. Defeating Incumbents Redistricting—loss of home district Scandals
Unpopular president
Challenger “rides the coattails” of the opponent