The traditional dichotomy between 'normal votes' (from partisans) and 'personal votes' (from nonpartisans) in US state elections is critiqued. This research argues that securing partisan and nonpartisan support isn't inherently contradictory.
Instead, it suggests evaluating both based on a legislator's performance in office. Legislative professionalism serves as the key metric for assessing available resources.
The study uses post-redistricting election data to examine how these votes can be cultivated effectively without conflict. It demonstrates that focusing on professional conduct enhances electoral support from all bases.
| Rethinking the Normal Vote, the Personal Vote, and the Impact of Legislative Professionalism in U.S. State Legislative Elections was authored by Thomas Carsey, Jonathan Winburn and William D. Berry. It was published by Sage in SPPQ in 2017. |
