The Dynamics Of Compression On Presidential Nominations

The way in which political parties in the United States choose to nominate presidential candidates is a dynamic process. States operate with a great deal of autonomy as to when and what type of contest to hold, strategic candidates seek to enter the race at an advantageous time, and voters adjust to the electoral environment presented to them. The movement of statewide contests earlier in the nomination calendar, the shortening time between subsequent contests, and the expedited conclusion that is often reached before the official nominating convention has led to a compression of the nomination contest. This compression of the presidential nomination campaign has altered the dynamic structure that underlies the decisions made by key actors. I utilize compression as a chief independent variable in three empirical analyses, assessing its impact over time to the key actors in a nomination campaign. Using data compiled from FEC candidate filling, I use a robust regression model to demonstrate a correlation between state movement of contests and candidate disbursements in that state. Next I explore the impact of compression on candidate entry into the nomination race using a log-logistical model of duration to test a unique data set of political, environmental and candidate qualities. I demonstrate the viability of these findings in a case study analysis of the 1984 Democratic and 2008 Republican nomination campaigns, before presenting a logit analysis gauging the familiarity with challengers that front-runner supporters demonstrate in those same contests in the final empirical chapter.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D. in Political Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Political Science

Year dc:date.available

2015

Author dc:creator

• Gedman, Samuel Raymond

Contributors dc:contributor

• John M. Bruce
• Jeffrey Jackson
• Marvin King

• Compression
• Political Parties
• Presidential Nominations
• Presidential Primaries
• Political Science

Repository record dc:identifier

https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/786

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:egrove.olemiss.edu:etd-1785