Nationalized Elections

Critical Analysis

1. Based on the data from the visual above, what portion of donations to senate races in 2006 came from out of state?

2. Describe one trend you see in the data above?

3. Nearly two-thirds of donations to US Senate candidates in this election cycle have come from out-of-state contributors instead of from in-state constituents, reflecting an intense political tribalism in which control of Congress is prioritized over local issues. In nationalized elections people vote for a party not a person, and local issues are drowned out. Why do you think trend is happening?

4. Nationalized congressional elections, according to the University of Chicago professor of political science, Daniel Moskowitz, will mean less local news and government accountability. In your own words, describe the consequence of nationalized elections.

5. Tip O’Neill famously said “all politics is local.” And he was right, at the time (1977-1987) when O’Neill was speaker of the House. But O’Neill died in 1987 and now, all politics is national. Just think about the election going on in your congressional district. Unless you are in a very unusual district, you are not really voting about roads, or schools, or even taxes. What is this year’s election about?

6. Based on the data from the visual below. To what type of district is most of the out-of-state money going, and from what type of district is most of the out-of-state money coming?

7. Make a connection between political polarization, gerrymandering, out-of-state-funding, and the nationalization of politics.

8. Why do you think so much money from out of state is flowing to battleground states?

9. Imagine that the congress outlawed donations going across state lines (which, of course, they won’t do because that would be turning off the money spigot). But just imagine Congress outlawed giving across state (or even district) lines. What Amendment of the Bill of Rights and what Landmark Supreme Court Case precedent, would likely make such a law unconstitutional?

10. Explain whether you would give money to an out of state candidate.

Learning Extension

Check out all the amazing visuals on out of state giving from Bloomberg. Then listen to this NPR report on the nationalization of elections.

Action Extension

Research how much money your representative or senator has received from out-of-state funders and share your results with class.

Visual Extension*