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The Science of PoliticsThe Niskanen Centers The Science of Politics pod Author: Niskanen Center
The Niskanen Centers The Science of Politics podcast features up-and-coming researchers delivering fresh insights on the big trends driving American politics today. Get beyond punditry to data-driven understanding of todays Washington with host and political scientist Matt Grossmann. Each 30-45-minute episode covers two new cutting-edge studies and interviews two researchers. Language: en Genres: News Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Legislators are raising money instead of making policy
Wednesday, 18 February, 2026
Legislators spend considerable time dialing for dollars to support their party, even if they themselves are not in electoral danger. That helps them move up the party leadership ladder, but does not help them achieve their policy goals. Michael Kistner finds that when legislators spend a lot of time raising money, they spend less making policy. By rewarding fundraising, parties miss out on both diverse leaders and effective legislators. But states that reform their campaign finance system are able to make more landmark policies.
