Elections to Open Seats in the U. S. House: Where the Action Is by Ronald Keith Gaddie, Charles S. Bullock

From the Publisher

Shifting the focal point from incumbency to open seat competition in the U.S. House of Representatives is the task this book embraces. In the process, the authors demonstrate the importance of candidates and competition, and the role of money, gender, and special elections in determining how open seats get filled and when partisan changes occur.

Author Biography: Ronald Keith Gaddie is associate professor of political science at the University of Oklahoma. Charles S. Bullock, III is Richard B. Russell Professor of Political Science at the University of Georgia.

What People Are Saying

Samuel C. Patterson
In"Elections to Open Seats in the U.S. House" Keith Gaddie and Chuck Bullock give us a sophisticated analysis of competitive U.S. congressional elections. . . .The authors have "peeled away the cloak of incumbency" to reveal the electoral prospects of candidates with political experience and strong financial backing, the successes and future of women running for Congress, and the probable effects of term limits on congressional competitiveness. This book is an indispensable resource for students of congressional elections.
— Samuel C. Patterson

John R. Hibbing
Whether installing a Republican majority or a Democratic majority, and whether loathing or liking Congress, citizens' attraction to congressional incumbents continues to dominate vote choice to such an extent that it is difficult to see the larger picture. By focusing on those races with no incumbent running, Gaddie and Bullock are able to provide a remarkably fresh look at the dynamics of modern House races. Along the way they offer surprising results and a clear refutation of the belief that there is nothing new to say about congressional elections."
— John R. Hibbing

Bruce I. Oppenheimer
Gaddie and Bullock provide coverage and analysis of key issues ­­ from the emergence of candidates to the effect of previous political experience to financing to the influence of the election of women ­­ in an often original and regularly enlightening fashion. Not only is this a book congressional scholars will want to have, but it can also serve as a research stimulus for students of congressional elections who are looking for new paths to explore.
— Bruce I. Oppenheimer

Product Details

• Table of Contents

Table of Contents