Congressional Elections in 1978

Abstract

This article examines two aspects of the 1978 congressional elections. The major task undertaken involves an analysis of the type and amount of electoral competition in each of the 435 districts. How often were there contested primaries and/or contested general elections? How competitive were these contests? In addition the article looks at the new members of the 96th Congress. The electoral process provides for recruitment of new House members. What can be said about the motives and characteristics of those recruited? While acknowledging that many questions remain unanswered, more attention must be devoted to the role of parties and to electoral rules as each has important implications for congressional recruitment.