Category Archives: political parties
“For post-shutdown reform ideas, many look to California”
The Los Angeles Times reports.
Regardless of who draws the lines, the electorate remains polarized politically and geographically, with liberal Democrats concentrated in parts of the state and conservative Republicans in others. The number of districts actually open to… Continue reading
“Disappearing ‘Crossover Legislators’ Key to Resolving the Shutdown”
FairVote:
Amid the shutdown-inspired talk of polarization and dysfunction in Congress, it is encouraging to see examples of real bipartisan cooperation. A group of twelve senators – six Republicans and six senators who caucus with Democrats – played a… Continue reading
“It’s Top-Two Friday!”
Seth Masket:
Thanks to Richard Skinner and Rick Hasen for pointing out that the reformers are out in force today. The New York Times‘ Adam Nagourney and the Washington Post‘s Reid Wilson both have articles up today talking up… Continue reading
NYT Top Story Says CA Dysfunction Getting Better Because of Top Two Primary and Redistricting Reform
Article here. I was surprised to see that the article did not quote from more skeptical political scientists who have looked at the question.
Some of that literature summarized in this post at The Monkey Cage.
“Don’t Blame Safe Seats for the Tea Party”
Frank Wilkinson writes for Bloomberg View.
“A ranked-choice voting system for Congress”
Rob Richie and Devin McCarthy writing in WaPo: “It’s easy to blame politicians for the federal government shutdown, but the dysfunction will continue until Americans understand how our voting laws reward confrontation and realize which steps are necessary for… Continue reading
“Republicans in Congress Who Voted Against Re-Opening the Government Were Disproportionately from Open Primary States”
For those who think we can solve our polarization problems with open primaries, read this.
“Political fundraising boosted by shutdown, default”
“When Another Speaker Stood Firm Against Obstructionists in His Own Party | Commentary”
Quote of the Day: Posner Edition
“I don’t understand the Court’s toleration for political gerrymandering, a practice that in conjunction with the Court’s endorsement of promiscuous campaign donations seems to have poisoned our national politics by filling the House of Representatives with extremists.”
–Richard A. Posner,… Continue reading
Big Business Laments Loss of Influence Over Republican Party
Must-read NYT:
“We ask them to carry our water all the time,” said one corporate sector lobbyist, who demanded anonymity in order to speak frankly about the relationship with Republicans. “But we don’t necessarily support them 100 percent of the… Continue reading
“How Government Dysfunction and Big Money Fuel the Shutdown”
Erik Opsal of the Brennan Center blogs.
I’m skeptical that reforming campaign finance would do much to help political polarization.