Lecture notes for 4/23/99
The campaigning beings in the primaries during the summer before the election. -20% turnover in membership every two years -Reasons for turnover: -Retirement -Legislator wishes to run for another office -Legislator gets defeated in primaries or in the actual election -80% get reelected -State campaigns are similar to federal campaigns. -Things that affect a campaign -Campaign money received from interest groups and individuals -Name recognition -Media exposure -Incumbent casework (basically increasing a person's recognition by saying how he or she has benefited the citizens) -Challenger quality -Redistricting -Currently 16 Republicans and 15 Democrats in the Senate & 72 Republicans and 78 Democrats in the House -Split party control (turnaround in the last 10 years...see previous lecture)