Thanks Tim!

Thanks for the plug, Bruce!

The emphasis on dollars has a variety of implications for American democracy:
-- excludes those without access to deep pockets
-- dominates the day-to-day activity of running for office
-- campaign resources are highly unequal
-- moves representation beyond the district

Unsurprisingly, candidates who raise more money are more successful at the ballot box, and one chapter explores the advantages in primary elections in particular.

But the broader aim is to rethink the value of money in American politics long before and well after election day.

Candidates also spend a lot of time dialing for dollars. A survey of House candidates shows that those with prior office experience spend more time on fundraising than on other campaign activities.

And top fundraisers raise a lot more early money today, especially in favorable environments like open seat races.

Candidates raise money earlier and earlier in the cycle (in both earlier and later primaries).

Quote from House candidate: “The advice that you get all the time is that the only thing that matters is raising money. That definitely gets into your head. It becomes the only thing you think about when you go to bed, and it becomes the only thing you think about when you get up in the morning."

Scholars have analyzed the effect of money on the behavior of lawmakers and on election outcomes. The goal here is to suggest that the power of money is broader. Turning to fundraising as a focal point sheds new light on why candidates and lawmakers care so much about fundraising.

Candidates say that fundraising is important, and drop out if they struggle to raise money. Journalists report on who leads in campaign receipts. Donors support candidates who are better fundraisers. Party leaders reward lawmakers who contribute more to the party team.

Candidates, donors, journalists, and party leaders coordinate around fundraising as a focal point.

Chapters detail the impact of money on:
-- candidate perceptions and behavior
-- newspaper coverage
-- subsequent donor support
-- allocation of party rewards in office