The Real Nature of U.S. Elections

Theories of Politics/Power I will win because my heart is pure I will win because I have the best information, tools, cards, signs, mail, etc. I will win because I know the process I will win because I have a personal relationship with the powerful I will win because I have the most people on my side I will win because I have the most money

The REAL Theory of Politics Being right, in the sense of being philosophically correct, is not sufficient to win

The Real Nature of Politics Political success is determined over time by the number and effectiveness of the activists on the given sides.

Political Technology The ability to do 2 things: –Organize –Communicate Is philosophically neutral Determines political success Three Elements: Time, Talent, Treasure

Incumbent Approach: I’m a nice guy and I’ve done a good job. Goal: Don’t give anyone a reason to vote against me. 4 Types of Campaigns

Challenger Approach: Very confrontational. Goal: Appear as the best alternative. “I’m better than the devil.”

Open Seat Approach: Pair of challengers. Very confrontational. Goal: Appear as the best alternative. “I’m better than the devil.”

Obstructionist Approach: Cause pain to the opponent. Goal: Make the candidate react to an issue.

Eligible to Vote

Registered to Vote

Vote

Vote Democrat

Vote Republican

Single Issue Voter

Elections are determined from 3 – 5% of a District

Three Branches of the U.S. Government 1)Executive = President (every 4 years) 2)Judiciary = Supreme Court (life) 3)Legislative = Congress 1)Senate (every 6 years/2 per state; 1/3 elected each year 2)Representatives (every 2 years/districts of approx. 675,000 determined by each state)

Current 108th Congress 1)Republican Party controls Congress (Senate & House of Representatives) 1)Senate: 51 (R), 48 (D), 1 (I) 2)House of Representatives: 228 (R), 206 (D), 1 (I) 2)2004 Key Battleground States for Congress: 1)(D) = LA, SD, NC, FL, SC, GA 2)(R) = MO, CO, IL, AK 3)2004 Key Battleground States for Presidency: MI, OH, IN, IA, IL, NM, AZ, FL (?)

The Electoral College 1)US Constitution (Article 2, Section 1, Clause 2) 2)“Each state shall appoint, in such manner as the legislature thereof may direct, a number of electors, equal to the whole number of Senators and Representatives to which the state may be entitled to the Congress.”

Number of Electors 1)Total = 538 2)Maximum = California with 55 3)Minimum = 8 have 3 4)Majority to be elected = 270 5)2000: Bush, 271 v. Gore, 266

Selection of Electors 1)Each State May Decide: 1)Direct election 2)Party selection 3)Government Appointment 4)Electors MUST vote as their state’s district voted

Voting Procedure 1)After election (mid-December) electors from each state gather at state capitol to vote 1)States “take all” rule 2)Federally, results reported to Congress on January 6, after election in November, to review votes 3)Objections may be made (usually technical), but are rare