Richer Parties, Better Politics? Party-Centered Campaign Finance Laws and American Democracy

Abstract

Would "party-centered" campaign finance laws that channel money primarily through party organizations improve American politics? Scholars have long argued that political parties are essential mediating institutions in a democracy. Yet in comparison to other democracies, American campaign finance laws have been designed to be "candidate-centered." Constraints on political parties have also created opportunities for interest groups to engage directly in campaigns in support of favored candidates and policies. The growing presence in elections of interest groups at the expense of formal party organizations thus has potential negative implications for the functioning of democracy. This paper explains what we know about the relationship between money, campaign finance laws, and political parties, with the goal of exploring whether party-centered campaign finance laws might improve elections, representation, and governing. Importantly, it emphasizes the need for new knowledge that may help in designing new campaign finance laws.

Why Aren't There More Republican Women in Congress? Gender, Partisanship, and Fundraising Support in the 2010 and 2012 Elections

“…Beyond the ambitions of individual aspirants, parties consider fundraising a key test of viability. To earn party backing, candidates must first demonstrate their ability to raise money (La Raja 2013).…”

Individual party donors

“…Without a doubt, these donors are vital to the ongoing mission, financial solvency, and subsequent electoral influence of the parties’ national, senatorial, and congressional campaign committees. Despite the central role of parties in the distribution of resources in US elections, very little research assesses the consistency with which this important set of party donors contributes to both the party committees and the party’s candidates in ways that best serve the party’s interests (La Raja, 2013). In short, the loyalty of party donors and the degree to which the extra-party contribution decisions of these donors align with party interests is not well understood (Francia et al, 2003; La Raja, 2013).…”

Analytic Activism and Its Limitations

“…US electoral campaigns seek to raise funds from supporters (a mix of small donors and large donors) and use those funds to support a massive campaign “assemblage” (Nielsen, 2012). While we can identify meaningful differences in how campaigns use information technology to achieve these goals (Hersh, 2015; Issenberg, 2012; Kreiss, 2012; Stromer-Galley, 2014), in how they engage supporters (Alexander, 2010), in where their funding comes from (La Raja, 2013), and in what policies they pursue, the fixed endpoints and rhythms of the electoral campaign environment enforce a good deal of similarity among all campaigns. Campaigns knock on doors and purchase media advertisements.…”