Elections to Open Seats in the U.S. House

Ronald Keith Gaddie is associate professor of political science at the University of Oklahoma. Charles S. Bullock, III is Richard B. Russell Professor of Political Science at the University of Georgia.

Whether installing a Republican majority or a Democratic majority, and whether loathing or liking Congress, citizens' attraction to congressional incumbents continues to dominate vote choice to such an extent that it is difficult to see the larger picture. By focusing on those races with no incumbent running, Gaddie and Bullock are able to provide a remarkably fresh look at the dynamics of modern House races. Along the way they offer surprising results and a clear refutation of the belief that there is nothing new to say about congressional elections.

• Chapter 1 Where the Action Is: Why Open Seats Jump-Start Congressional CareersChapter 2 Open Seat Congressional Elections: Are These Influenced by the Same Factors as Incumbent Elections?Chapter 3 Candidates and Competition: Who Are They? Where Do They Come From?Chapter 4 Investing in the FutureChapter 5 Women and Open Seat Congressional ElectionsChapter 6 Special Elections: The Other Open SeatsChapter 7 Understanding the Past, Predicting the FutureChapter 8 Appendix: Forecasting Open Seat VoteChapter 9 Methodological Sources