The Influence of Interest Groups on State Legislative Behavior

Authors

  • Shannon Jenkins

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15763/issn.2374-7781.2011.32.0.233-258

Abstract

Research shows the influence of campaign contributions on congressional behavior is infrequent, but more pronounced in certain situations and for certain types of legislators. But it is unclear if these theories apply at the state level. This study examines the impact of campaign contributions in three state legislatures; results show group contributions impact roll call voting in a significant minority of cases and significant relationships are more likely for business and labor contributions, as at the national level. However, the analysis also shows there is variation in the pattern of influence across the states, which is not related to issue salience in all states.

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Published

2011-11-01

Issue

Vol. 32: Fall 2011

Section

Articles

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