The best record of success in this field is that of the marketing
consultants with their potential clients, to persuade them that enough
marketing of the kind money can buy can guarantee a victory. It cannot,
because there is a limit to the effectiveness of that kind of
marketing. Ultimately, the dominant processes are interpersonal
influences and the perceived fit of the candidate to the concerns of
the voters, a perception that is not amenable to unlimited molding. See
Diffusion of
Innovations.
On 11/19/2010 09:56 AM, Craig Holman wrote:
Yes,
the political science research is rich with studies documenting that
self-funded candidates generally fare poorly at the polls. But this
lesson has not been learned by candidates or lawmakers. Many wealthy
individuals really believe they can simply buy an office -- and their
opponents tend to believe likewise, resulting in an arm's race in
fundraising and spending.
-- Jon
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Constitution Society http://constitution.org
2900 W Anderson Ln C-200-322 Austin, TX 78757
512/299-5001 jon.roland@constitution.org
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