Opting out of Congress : partisan polarization and the decline of moderate candidates / Danielle M. Thomsen.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Thomsen, Danielle M., author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

United States. Congress.

United States.

Representative government and representation--United States.

Representative government and representation.

Political leadership--United States.

Political leadership.

Political culture--United States.

Political culture.

United States--Politics and government--21st century.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xvi, 202 pages) : digital, PDF file(s).

Place of Publication:

Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2017.

Summary:

This book provides a candidate entry explanation for partisan polarization in Congress. Danielle M. Thomsen draws on quantitative data to show that ideological moderates are less likely to run for and remain in Congress than those at the extremes. The book introduces a party fit argument for why moderates have opted out of congressional politics. It suggests that the personal and professional benefits of congressional service have diminished for liberal Republicans and conservative Democrats as the parties have drifted apart. Although the political center has long been deemed a coveted position in the legislature, it is now a lonely and lowly place to be. Opting Out of Congress argues that partisan polarization is unlikely to diminish if ideological moderates do not run for office, and reformers who seek to restore bipartisanship in Congress must consider how to encourage moderates to launch congressional candidacies.

Contents:

The choices have changed

Party fit and the calculus of candidacy

Ideology, attitude, and political ambition

Ideological moderates won't run for congress

Where the action is: asymmetric polarization and open seats

Ideological moderates won't stay in congress

The growing partisan gap in women's representation

Toward a less polarized congress?

Notes:

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 25 May 2017).

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

1-316-87733-7

1-316-87955-0

1-316-87992-5

1-316-63503-1

1-316-87205-X

1-316-88066-4

1-316-88029-X

1-316-88177-6

OCLC:

1024280355