Date Published:
Jul 31, 2007
Abstract:
We consider the consequences of the Senate electoral cycle and bicameralism for distributive
politics, introducing the concept of contested credit claiming, i.e. that members of a states
House and Senate delegations must share the credit for appropriations that originate in
their chamber with delegation members in the other chamber. Using data that isolates
appropriations of each chamber, we test a model of the strategic incentives contested credit
claiming creates. Our empirical analysis indicates that the Senate electoral cycle induces
a back-loading of benefi
ts to the end of senatorial terms, but that the House blunts this
tendency with countercyclical appropriations. Our analysis informs our understanding of
appropriations earmarking, and points a way forward in studying the larger consequences of
bicameral legislatures.
Notes:
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