Presentation of Partisanship: Constituency Connections and Partisan Congressional Activity*

Scott R. Meinke

Social Science Quarterly, 2009, vol. 90, issue 4, 854-867

Abstract: Objectives. This article explores how House members relate their involvement in partisan Washington activity to constituency representation. Methods. Building on Fenno's familiar conception of home style, I argue that certain House members have an incentive to develop a partisan home style that emphasizes party activity in Washington. I examine this relationship by studying the extended party leadership (party committees and whip networks), looking for connections between member/constituency characteristics and extended leaders' choices to advertise partisan leadership activity on their official websites. Logit models are used to test for relationships between these variables. Results. Members vary widely in whether and how they communicate their partisan activity, with constituency factors, career stage, and majority party status all affecting the choice. Conclusions. House members make strategic choices about incorporating partisan Washington activity into their home style.

Date: 2009
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https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-6237.2009.00666.x

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