Book

Opting out of Congress : partisan polarization and the decline of moderate candidates

Thomsen, Danielle M., author

Overview

\"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.\"-- Provided by publisher.

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Subject: United States. Congress Elections. / United States. Congress. / 2000-2099 / Legislators United States. / Polarization (Social sciences) United States 21st century. / Political parties United States 21st century. / Elections. / Legislators. / Polarization (Social sciences) / Political parties. / United States.
• ISBN: 9781107183674, 1107183677, 9781316635032, 1316635031

Item info:

1 item available

1 item total in all locations

Holdings :

Call Number	Copies	Material	Location
JK1319.T46 2017	1	BOOK	AUTOSTORE