chapter 26 the elections and political campaigns in texas pearson education, inc. © 2006 american...
TRANSCRIPT
Chapter 26
The Elections and Political Campaigns in Texas
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American Government2006 Edition(to accompany Comprehensive, Alternate, Texas, and Essentials Editions)
O’Connor and Sabato
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The Roots of Political Parties, Interest Groups, Elections and Campaigns in Texas
Parties and interest groups developed slowly in Texas. Personality was the dominant force in
electoral politics. In 1848 the Democratic Party emerged
as a formal organization. Era of one party dominance: 1874-1986.
Contending factions within the Democratic Party
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The Roots of Political Parties, Interest Groups, Elections and Campaigns in Texas
Most influential interest groups in the 19th century represented agrarian interests. The Grange
Agrarian interests were supplanted by oil and gas interests.
As Texas economy and society became more complex after WWII, varied interests proliferated.
Elections became more partisan or factional contests.
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Political Parties in Texas
Party Organization Texas state law establishes formal
organization for political parties Temporary party organization
Exists for a limited time and includes several levels of conventions
Permanent party organization Operates throughout the year, performing the
parties functions
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Party Organization in Texas
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Temporary Party Organization Consists of conventions at the precinct, county or state
senatorial districts and the state level Held every two years Precinct convention
Both meet to select delegates and adopt resolutions but at a different geographic level
1% of voters attend precinct conventions and they select delegates to the county convention
Or in counties that are in more than one state senatorial district to the senate senatorial district convention
State convention Party meeting held to adopt the party’s platform, elect the
party’s executive committee and state chairperson, and in a presidential election year, elect delegates to the national convention and choose presidential electors
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Permanent Party Organization Consists of party chairpersons and
committees which work throughout the year Tied to electoral districts due to their activities Precinct chairperson County chairperson County Executive Committee State Executive Committee State Party Chairperson
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Functional Organization Although the state chairperson is elected by the state
executive committee, functional leadership may rest with the governor.
Performance of the party is determined by the effectiveness of those who occupy the party positions.
Certain factors are likely to influence the performance. Unity
Important factor for both major parties in Texas Effectiveness
Institutional support activities Candidate-centered activities
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Party in the Electorate Distribution of party attachments
1952: only 6% of Texans identified themselves as Republicans; 66% as Democrats.
Since then, the number of Democratic identifiers has declined while the number of Republican identifiers has increased.
Percentage of independents has also increased. 2003: 41 % of Texans identify with Republican
Party; 25% with the Democratic Party; and 35% refer to themselves as Independents.
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Republican and Democratic Party Strength in Texas by County
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Republican and Democratic Party Strength in Texas by County (1990s)
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Party Realignment in Texas Texas has experienced an attenuated (secular) realignment.
Young voters were more likely to identify with the Republican Party than the Democratic Party in the 1980s and 1990s. Generational replacement favored Republicans
Some Democrats switched to the Republican Party. New residents were more likely to identify with the
Republican Party. Party identification is important in determining vote choice
in elections. Republican candidates have won more counties in recent
elections. In 2000 Republican candidates won every statewide
election.
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The Party in Government Executive branch
Independent election of the most important executive officers
Governor and Lt. Governor do not run as a team Can lead to strain in the relationship
Little incentive to campaign together or coordinate
Legislative branch Partisan considerations minimized Strong institutional leaders who eschew the
opportunity to build strong party organizations
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The Party in Government
Judicial branch Judges elected on partisan ballot But candidates for other offices rarely
team up with members of their party seeking judgeships
Influence of party often dominant in the appointment of judges when a vacancy occurs
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Interest Groups in Texas
Types of interest groups Businesses and Trade Associations Professional Associations Labor Groups Racial and Ethnic Groups Public-Interest Groups
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Political Activities of Interest Groups
Lobbying Attempting to influence public officials through
direct contact
Electioneering Activity in political campaigns
Campaign contributions/PACS
Litigation Attempt to effect or prevent changes in public
policy Can be used as a delaying tactic
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Top General-Purpose PACs, 2002
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Elections and Political Campaigns in Texas
Types of Elections Primary elections Special elections General elections Local elections
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Political Campaigns in Texas
Money Media Marketing
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The Voter’s Decisions Turnout
Legal requirements for voting minimal U.S. citizenship 18-years old or older Residency in state Registration Only the mentally incompetent barred from
voting and convicted felons who have not completed their sentence including parole, supervision or probation periods
Early voting Effect on turnout has been negligible People must be motivated by benefits of voting
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The Voter’s Decisions The Vote Choice
Entire 19th and early 20th century vote choice was party oriented Straight ticket-voting Today vote choice is more office oriented and person
oriented—so more voters split their ticket Explanations of vote choice focus on
Party identification Issues Candidate characteristics Comparison of 1986 and 2002 Texas gubernatorial
races