Money Matters

Methods of campaign financing have been controversial since George Washington first ran for office, and debates over campaign finance reform have raged just as long. Contemporary critics of reform often contend that it would decrease electoral competition, voter turnout, and the amount of information voters receive about candidates. Money Matters subjects these criticisms to careful, systemic analysis—using simulations, aggregate vote analyses, and individual-level data analyses based on House elections—and concludes that reform, with modest public subsidies and spending limits, would enhance rather than diminish the U.S. system of democratic governance. This timely book helps bridge the gap between quantitative academic research and applied progressive reform efforts. It will be of interest to scholars and students of political parties, the legislative process, campaigns and elections, political institutions, public policy, and political behavior and methodology.

Methods of campaign financing have been controversial since George Washington first ran for office, and debates over campaign finance reform have raged just as long. Contemporary critics of reform often contend that it would decrease electoral competition, voter turnout, and the amount of information voters receive about candidates. Money Matters subjects these criticisms to careful, systemic analysis-using simulations, aggregate vote analyses, and individual-level data analyses based on House elections-and concludes that reform, with modest public subsidies and spending limits, would enhance rather than diminish the U.S. system of democratic governance.

Booknews

Explores not only the likely effects of campaign finance reform on partisan control of the U.S. House of Representatives but also, more broadly, the likely effect of reform on electoral competition, voter turnout, and voter information. The authors use simulations to model the possible outcomes of a variety of reforms, including public financing, spending limits, and matching funds. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Robert K. Goidel is assistant professor of political science at Indiana State University. Donald A. Gross is associate professor of political science at the University of Kentucky. Todd G. Shields is assistant professor of political science at the University of Arkansas.