Event Title
Get off at the Nearest Exit: Strategic Decisions of Members of the United States Congress
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Rolfe Peterson
Start Date
23-4-2019 5:00 PM
End Date
23-4-2019 5:20 PM
Description
Politicians often seek elected office for opportunistic and ambitious reasons. While there is literature discussing the reasons politicians seek election, there is a missing link in discussing political exits. Even though there are Members of Congress (MCs) who choose not to run for re-election every cycle, this paper explores their reasons and the emerging trends that are causing a number of these exits. The author posits that factors such as gender, previous vote share, job dissatisfaction, and terms served will have an impact on the reason behind departure. Analysis of Congressional exits across the 112th through the 115th Congresses reveals that the nature of the Congress in which a member serves will have an impact on whether or not to seek re-election.
Get off at the Nearest Exit: Strategic Decisions of Members of the United States Congress
Politicians often seek elected office for opportunistic and ambitious reasons. While there is literature discussing the reasons politicians seek election, there is a missing link in discussing political exits. Even though there are Members of Congress (MCs) who choose not to run for re-election every cycle, this paper explores their reasons and the emerging trends that are causing a number of these exits. The author posits that factors such as gender, previous vote share, job dissatisfaction, and terms served will have an impact on the reason behind departure. Analysis of Congressional exits across the 112th through the 115th Congresses reveals that the nature of the Congress in which a member serves will have an impact on whether or not to seek re-election.