This article introduces a novel statistical method to gauge candidate ideology using campaign contribution data.
Method Development: Leveraging contributions, it estimates ideal points for various actors including incumbents, PACs, challengers, and open-seat candidates.
Findings & Comparison: Candidate ideal points align strongly with those from voting records but are estimated independently of them. This offers a fresh perspective on political positioning.
Analysis Scope: Incorporating covariates known to shape contributions (e.g., interest group influence) enhances understanding beyond pure ideology, providing insights into the broader dynamics of campaign finance.
