This paper examines PAC contributions by the Big Three U.S. automakers and Japanese auto dealers to House incumbents. A regression model is estimated where PAC contributions are a function of a firm's own ties to an incumbent's district (as measured by firm employment) and those of rivals. For...

Intimidate and overpower have been used in campaign lore to describe the effects of an incumbent's war chest on potential challengers. The authors argue that a war chest can deter challengers by signaling a credible commitment to mount a formidable campaign if entry occurs. Results from a...