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PAC Spending and Roll Call Voting in the U.S. House: An Empirical Extension

Author

Listed:
  • Peter T. Calcagno

    (Department of Economics and Finance, College of Charleston)

  • John D. Jackson

    (Department of Economics, Auburn University)

Abstract

This paper expands the investigation of how PAC spending affects the roll call voting behavior to the U.S. House of Representative. Using a theoretical framework which draws on the voting literature, we develop models that explain Representative’s voting behavior in a pre-PAC and post-PAC world. Testing both models we find weak support for a Downsian view of voting participation in the first model. The second model supports the alteration of voting incentives resulting from PAC spending. We find that PACs have a positive effect on voting participation. These results are consistent with earlier findings that investigate Senate behavior.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter T. Calcagno & John D. Jackson, "undated". "PAC Spending and Roll Call Voting in the U.S. House: An Empirical Extension," Working Papers 4, Department of Economics and Finance, College of Charleston.
    • Handle: RePEc:coc:wpaper:4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Political Action Committees; Roll Call Voting; Congressional Voting;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • H11 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - Structure and Scope of Government

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