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Abstract
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OBJECTIVE
I examine the differential effects on legislative behavior of organized and unorganized subgroups related to gun policy.
Methods
Using various data sources on campaign contributions, voter characteristics, and legislative behaviors, I estimate logit models of the decision to co-sponsor or vote for gun bills in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Results
Both interest group contributions and the percentage of hunters in a district are independently predictive of legislative behavior, above and beyond district ideology and party affiliation. These findings are robust and substantively meaningful.
Conclusions
Those involved in the politics surrounding gun policy should take into account the difference between the influence of organized interests like the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the unorganized interests of voter subgroups.
Language: en |