No abstract

Using two different units of analysis, this article examines the impact of divisive presidential primaries on party electoral prospects. First, an examination of state-level data from 1932 to 1976 shows that divisive presidential primaries hurt both parties' chances of winning those same states in the November general election. This effect is stronger for Democrats and remains even after controlling for incumbency and state party orientation. Second, an examination of survey data collected in 1972 and 1976 shows that supporters of losing contenders are likely to defect in general elections. Here again, the effect is present for both parties, but more pronounced for Democrats.

JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact support@jstor.org.

This paper examines the relationship between the kinds of delegate allocation rules used in Democratic presidential primaries (Winner-Take-All, Districted, and Proportional) and the power of various states within the national Democratic party. It demonstrates that these rules are often, in the short run, more important than a state's voters in determining the fate of particular candidates. It shows, in the middle run, that different types of states are clearly favored by different sets of primary regulations. It closes with some speculation about the long-run impact of these tendencies.

conclusion that divisive presidential primaries hurt Democratic contenders chances. entire period of Democratic ascendancy. Third, we. pare Democratic party success during the prereform and postreform eras Type of nominating mechanism was represented by two indicators-divisive primariesall other contests. 30 Dec 2015. between a caucus and a primary, national party rules changes for 2016, and the reform the presidential nominating process taxpayer financing of the "GOP Preparing for Contested Convention," The Washington Post, December 14,. The era of rules changes that Democrats initiated after the 1968 The Paradox of the Primaries-Science Direct Ever since the 1970s when the Democratic and Republican parties began to reform the rules for selecting their presidential and vice presidential. By 1916, more than half the states held presidential primaries. And the delegates to the state convention select delegates to represent the state at the national convention.