Soft money, hard money, strong parties

Article Abstract:

Political parties are central to current efforts to reform campaign finance in the United States. Party money constitutes approximately half of all campaign funds raised at the national level. Limiting party money is, thus, integral to campaign finance reform. This Article examines what might be gained and lost if regulations on party money are imposed. Proponents of stronger (and better financed) parties conjecture that strong parties increase the ability of voters to hold their representatives accountable. We find that such benefits are, in practice, minimal. Instead, we argue that the main benefits of party money, especially soft money, derive from the parties' campaign activities. Soft money finances state party organizations' voter registration and mobilization efforts, which have substantial effects on turnout. Reducing party money will, thus, reduce participation. The benefits of limitations on party soft money must therefore be weighed against likely reductions in voting that would result.(Author Abstract)

Influence, Campaign finance reform

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Long-term investing in politicians; or, give early, give often

Article Abstract:

Political action committees (PACs) consider long-term issues rather than just immediate needs in their contributions to politicians. Three research findings support the idea of long-term PAC investing. PAC donations have been found to persist over time, amounts have been lower for older candidates and are larger in small state house contests. Analysis of PAC financing should accordingly look at dynamic time flows rather than single periods.

Finance, Campaign funds, Law and economics, Law and economics (Jurisprudence), Political action committees

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Private parties with public purposes: political parties, associational freedoms, and partisan competition

Article Abstract:

The author discusses the constitutional role of US political parties in light of Democratic Party v. Jones, in which the Supreme Court struck down California's blanket primary law. Topics include the limits on the First Amendment right of association and the parties' argument that blanket primaries would harm political competition.

California, Cases, Primaries, Freedom of association

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