Rebekah Herrick

Examines the expectation that members having to face reelection will keep close to their constituents by comparing the behavior of members of Congress in their last term with that of other members. It finds that those who are seeking reelection spend more time keeping in contact with their constituents, cast more votes and are more active working on legislation.

Examines the hypothesis that, although much research finds that men and women candidates are able to raise similar amounts of campaign money, it may be that women need to spend more to do as well as men. This article finds that women running against incumbents get fewer vote per dollar spent and from party strength and women running in open seat races get more votes from party strength.

Uses an experiment to test whether gays and lesbians are as electable as straight candidates. It finds that gays and lesbians who are out are seen as less electable than those who are just rumored to be gay or who are straight.

Examines what affects state policies on hate crime and same-sex marriage. It finds that states whose governmental institutions are more open to popular input, e.g. legislators with shorter terms and elected judges, have policies less favorable to gays and lesbians.

Finds that state legislators are less supportive of gay and lesbian rights than the general public. What appears to affect their position are their personal beliefs as well as political calculations.

Offers a new way to think about how representatives might work on their constituent’s interests: simply listen to them. Listening involves monitor constituents to understand their interests and then use that information to make decisions. Further it suggests legislators who listen to their constituents are more likely to work on legislation that supports constituents’ preferences on gay and lesbian issues.