“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.
Category Archives: political parties
“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.
“Shutdown’s roots lie in deeply embedded divisions in America’s politics”
“Some longtime Republican donors are unnerved by the GOP’s shutdown strategy”
Grumblings at American Crossroads conference.
“Quit Blaming Gerrymandering for the Shutdown”
Amen to Nate Cohn.
Greater Polarization in ANES Data from Internet Survey than Face-to-Face Interviews
Fascinating data over at The Monkey Cage.
“Blame It on Winner-Take-All: Why Our Outdated Voting Rules Cause Congressional Crises”
Rob Richie’s take on the shutdown.
“Blame the Constitution for this mess”
Alex Pareene writes for Salon.
Common Cause Wants Fundraising to Stop During Government Shutdown
See the letter.
But Marketplace reported this morning that there is heavy action to fundraise off the shutdown by both sides.
Just in Time for the Government Shutdown: Revised Version of Political Dysfunction and Constitutional Change
A few months ago I posted a draft paper, Political Dysfunction and Constitutional Change. It generated some interesting responses, including this Salon piece from Jonathan Bernstein.
I have now posted the final draft of the paper, which is appearing… Continue reading