Elections to Open Seats in the U.S. House: Where the Action Is [Hardcover]

Whether installing a Republican majority or a Democratic majority, and whether loathing or liking Congress, citizens' attraction to congressional incumbents continues to dominate vote choice to such an extent that it is difficult to see the larger picture. By focusing on those races with no incumbent running, Gaddie and Bullock are able to provide a remarkably fresh look at the dynamics of modern House races. Along the way they offer surprising results and a clear refutation of the belief that there is nothing new to say about congressional elections.Gaddie and Bullock provide coverage and analysis of key issuesfrom the emergence of candidates to the effect of previous political experience to financing to the influence of the election of womenin an often original and regularly enlightening fashion. Not only is this a book congressional scholars will want to have, but it can also serve as a research stimulus for students of congressional elections who are looking for new paths to explore.The analysis is methodologically sound and, in places highly sophisticated, yet the conclusions are not beyond the grasp of an educated lay person. . . . Overall, this work is a genuine contribution to the literature on congressional elections. The book makes a powerful case for studying open seat races and lays the groundwork for future exploration in the field. It deserves a spot in the library of all students of Congress and elections.Gaddie and Bullock conduct an excellent and thought-provoking foray into this area that has been long overdue for such a focused exploration. Their analysis is sophisticated, but accessible, and should be on the reading list for all students of congressional elections.Elections to Open Seats in the U.S. House is a book that every student of congressional elections should have on his or her shelf.InElections to Open Seats in the U.S. House Keith Gaddie and Chuck Bullock give us a sophisticated analysis of competitive U.S. congressional elections. . l£P