Studies have shown that political action committees (PACs) contribute disproportionately to incumbent candidates
Why do PACs pursue this strategy in their campaign contributions? Which specific incumbents are most likely to receive money from PACs?
Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Explain that PACs are strategic in how they invest their funds; they want to get the most impact out of their contributions.
2. Note that incumbent candidates are more likely to win, so groups that donate to PACs are more likely to gain access to elected officials after the election.
3. Explain that PACs tend to give money to those who serve on committees that address issues that are important to the group sponsoring the PAC and to lawmakers who have previously supported the group's policies. Note that both of these groups are incumbents.
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"Iron triangles" refer to the closed nature of relationships among state agency representatives, legislative committee members and their key staffs, and interest group representatives in state policy making
Indicate whether this statement is true or false.
An election with no incumbent running is called __________
a. a toss-up b. party polling c. an open seat d. a referendum