The effects of state, candidate, and union characteristics on union political strategy

Carolyn Somes Ball-Richardson, Purdue University

Abstract

Scholars have used exchange theory to describe how labor unions contribute to candidates in national elections. According to this theory, union PACs contribute to a candidate based on his voting record, political vulnerability, and party identification. I expand on this theory by comparing state and congressional elections to determine if the exchange model is as useful at the state level as it is at the national level. I also incorporate new variables into the model: state characteristics (state ideology, right to work and public union laws) and union membership characteristics. Unions exchange time and resources to pursue the enactment of legislation as well. I talked with union leaders throughout the country about their role in seeking plant closing legislation both at the national and state levels. To examine political action hypotheses, I gathered data on political action contributions to congress members and Indiana state legislative candidates for 1986 election cycle. Findings indicate that exchange theory provides a reasonable explanation of union political action at the state and national level in terms of PAC activity. The legal environment under which unions operate most affects the exchange of private sector unions as they donate to congressional candidates. Public unions at the state level are most likely to base their exchange of resources based on a broader array of concerns and are less tied to party. Exchange theory provides a partial explanation of union lobbying activities. Unions did exchange resources for an economic benefit, plant closing legislation. The theory, however, does not take into consideration the long term goals of unions nor the role public opinion plays in determining the success of union goals.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Hale, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Political science|American history

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