Suchergebnisse

The conceptual meaning of and the empirical evidence for the nationalization of the American electorate is explored. Two conceptually distinct dimensions of nationalization are identified: nationlization in terms of a convergence in the level of partisan support across geographical subunits of the electorate, and nationalization in terms of a uniformity of response by geographical units to political forces. Empirical estimates for both types of nationalization are derived for the American electorate for the period from 1842 to 1970. Unlike previous scholars, we find no trend toward increasing nationalization of the vote. Possible reasons for this lack of nationalization of the vote are suggested.

This article first reviews the major directions which the spatial analysis of party systems has taken. An easily performed technique for dimensioning parties-in-the-electorate in a social space is then introduced and applied to fourteen Western European and Anglo-American party systems.

Democratic Senator Paul Wellstone died accidentally just 11 days before the 2002 US Senate race in MN, creating havoc with the election; MN's political history & geography & the long campaign preceding the tragedy is chronicled. A barrage of TV ads, but with a surprisingly positive tone, characterized the campaign until mid-September, & in the end, the ground war tactic was emails. At the point of the incumbent Wellstone's death, his race with Republican challenger Norm Coleman was close. However, the 3-hour televised memorial service for Wellstone brought forth voter backlash, energizing Republican voters & moving independents to vote against the final Democratic candidate Walter Mondale. Governor Jesse Ventura's impact on the race is also examined. Tables. M. Pflum