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Issue Politics in Congress: An Exclusive Interview with Tracy Sulkin

Jamie Bell

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Published in Issue Politics In Congress Tracy Sulkin

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Tracy Sulkin is a leading expert on issue politics in Congress. She is a professor of political science at the University of California, San Diego, and the author of several books on the subject, including The Politics of Issue Ownership in the United States Congress and Issue Framing and Agenda Setting in American Politics.

Issue Politics in Congress

by Tracy Sulkin

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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In this exclusive interview, Sulkin discusses the factors that shape the way members of Congress vote on key issues. She also provides insights into the role of interest groups, public opinion, and elections in shaping issue politics in Congress.

What are the key factors that shape the way members of Congress vote on key issues?

**Sulkin:** There are a number of factors that shape the way members of Congress vote on key issues. These include:

Party affiliation: Party affiliation is one of the most important predictors of how a member of Congress will vote on a given issue. Members of the same party tend to vote together on most issues, and this is especially true on issues that are seen as being important to the party's platform.
Constituency interests: Members of Congress are also influenced by the interests of their constituents. This is especially true on issues that are of particular importance to the district or state that the member represents. For example, a member of Congress from a rural district is more likely to support policies that benefit farmers, while a member of Congress from an urban district is more likely to support policies that benefit city dwellers.
Interest group pressure: Interest groups play a significant role in shaping issue politics in Congress. Interest groups are organizations that represent the interests of a particular group of people, such as a business, labor union, or environmental organization. Interest groups lobby members of Congress to support policies that benefit their members, and they can also provide financial support to candidates who support their positions.
Public opinion: Public opinion also plays a role in shaping issue politics in Congress. Members of Congress are more likely to support policies that are popular with their constituents. This is especially true on issues that are seen as being important to the public, such as healthcare, education, and the economy.
Elections: Elections can also shape issue politics in Congress. Members of Congress who are facing tough re-election campaigns are more likely to support policies that are popular with their constituents. This is because they need to win the support of voters in order to stay in office.

How do interest groups influence issue politics in Congress?

**Sulkin:** Interest groups influence issue politics in Congress in a number of ways. They can:

Lobby members of Congress: Interest groups can lobby members of Congress to support policies that benefit their members. This can be done through a variety of means, such as meeting with members of Congress, providing them with information, and offering financial support.
Provide financial support to candidates: Interest groups can also provide financial support to candidates who support their positions. This can help candidates get elected and stay in office, which gives interest groups more influence over the policymaking process.
Mobilize their members: Interest groups can also mobilize their members to contact members of Congress and express their support or opposition to specific policies. This can put pressure on members of Congress to support the policies that interest groups favor.

What role does public opinion play in shaping issue politics in Congress?

**Sulkin:** Public opinion plays a significant role in shaping issue politics in Congress. Members of Congress are more likely to support policies that are popular with their constituents. This is especially true on issues that are seen as being important to the public, such as healthcare, education, and the economy.

However, public opinion is not always a reliable guide for members of Congress. Public opinion can be fickle, and it can change quickly in response to new events or information. This can make it difficult for members of Congress to know what the public wants on a given issue.

How do elections shape issue politics in Congress?

**Sulkin:** Elections can also shape issue politics in Congress. Members of Congress who are facing tough re-election campaigns are more likely to support policies that are popular with their constituents. This is because they need to win the support of voters in order to stay in office.

However, elections can also lead to gridlock in Congress. If the two parties are closely divided in Congress, it can be difficult to pass legislation on any issue. This is because each party is trying to appeal to its own base of supporters, and they are unwilling to compromise with the other party.