Description
Primary elections were supposed to limit the influence of party bosses on the nomination process. The decision to run for House or Senate and a candidate's success in securing the party's nomination for these offices has been considered to be largely candidate-centered. In The Party's Primary, Hans J. G. Hassell shows that parties have a strong influence on the options available to voters and shape the outcomes of the nomination process. Drawing on interviews with party insiders and candidates, Hassell highlights the resources that parties have at their disposal that are not readily available outside the party network and the process by which party elites coordinate behind preferred candidates. Using data from almost 3000 nomination contests for House and Senate in the past decade, this book shows that parties use these tools to clear the field for their preferred candidate and exert a strong influence on the outcomes of primary elections.
Demonstrates how party elites influence candidate decisions and shape the outcomes of primary elections for House and Senate.
About the Author
Hans J. G. Hassell is Assistant Professor of American Politics at Cornell College. He received his Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California, San Diego and his B.A. from Pomona College, California. Prior to graduate school he worked as a campaign and party staffer.
Reviews
'Hans J. G. Hassell's book takes the literature on party influence in nominations far beyond our own The Party Decides by looking systematically at a much larger set of nominations across a wider range of contexts. Its conclusions can thus make a better case for when and how party leadership can matter in candidate selection.' Hans Noel, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
'The Party's Primary offers an original, subtle and sophisticated analysis of how contemporary party elites shape the choices presented to voters in primary elections. It is a valuable and highly readable addition to the literature on parties and elections.' Gary C. Jacobson, Distinguished Professor of Political Science Emeritus, University of California, San Diego
Book Information
ISBN 9781108413107
Author Hans J. G. Hassell
Format Paperback
Page Count 228
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 320g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 153mm * 14mm
Demonstrates how party elites influence candidate decisions and shape the outcomes of primary elections for House and Senate.
About the Author
Hans J. G. Hassell is Assistant Professor of American Politics at Cornell College. He received his Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California, San Diego and his B.A. from Pomona College, California. Prior to graduate school he worked as a campaign and party staffer.
Reviews
'Hans J. G. Hassell's book takes the literature on party influence in nominations far beyond our own The Party Decides by looking systematically at a much larger set of nominations across a wider range of contexts. Its conclusions can thus make a better case for when and how party leadership can matter in candidate selection.' Hans Noel, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
'The Party's Primary offers an original, subtle and sophisticated analysis of how contemporary party elites shape the choices presented to voters in primary elections. It is a valuable and highly readable addition to the literature on parties and elections.' Gary C. Jacobson, Distinguished Professor of Political Science Emeritus, University of California, San Diego
Book Information
ISBN 9781108413107
Author Hans J. G. Hassell
Format Paperback
Page Count 228
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 320g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 153mm * 14mm
