We analyze four methods to measure unexplained gaps in mean outcomes: three decompositions based on the seminal work of Oaxaca (1973) and Blinder (1973) and an approach involving a seemingly naïve regression that includes a group indicator variable. Our analysis yields two principal findings....

This article models the allocation of contributions by a Political Action Committee (PAC) among a group of candidates running in different races, assuming utility maximizing behavior on the part of the PAC and the candidates. Under various assumptions about objectives, contributions are found to...