PSCI 3041 Lecture 6: Incumbency Advantage
27 Feb 2019
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They have an institutional advantage, meaning experience of working in congress and they also receive an allowance to meet the needs of their state or district. The incumbents are expected to spend the allowance on their staff, fundraisers and travel. As an incumbent, it is also easier to receive endorsements. Incumbents also have the franking advantage, which allows them to advertise through the mail free of charge. Furthermore, your name will almost certainly be in the news as you run for re-election. Challengers have none of these luxuries afforded to incumbents. Challengers decide to run because they dislike the job the incumbent is doing in office. You need a lot of money and a lot of guts to run against an incumbent. Senators spend nearly million to win an election. House of representative winner spend nearly million. Incumbents still fear challengers but incumbents usually still hold their seats.
