Back in 2000, State Rep. John Perzel experienced something rare for an incumbent politician: he almost lost. A report from the Institute for Money in State Politics underlines just how rare this was. According to their survey of local elections between 2002 and 2004, between 75 percent and 78 percent of incumbents in state legislatures were re-elected nationwide. In Pennsylvania, those numbers were between 89.2 percent and 94.1 percent.
The close call in 2000 allegedly inspired Perzel to use taxpayer money to build a massive database of Pennsylvania voters, for use in elections. Apparently the idea of losing his seat was unimaginable to the State Rep. -- and when one considers the built-in advantages incumbents here have, one can begin to see why.
Below are some of the ways that incumbents enjoy an upper hand over challengers.
Constituent services. The job of an elected official puts him or her in a position to help people. People contact their legislators to navigate state agencies, lobby on particular issues, or apply for government assistance. When a public official does the job well, it naturally builds a constituency. Most challengers, by contrast, have to build one from scratch.
Fundraising. Sitting lawmakers also tend to raise more money than challengers. Partly this is because legislators -- particularly powerful ones, like John Perzel -- can influence the outcome of legislation. Many of the bills before the General Assembly are of interest to major industries. Companies seeking favorable treatment shower incumbents with campaign contributions. In Perzel's case, he out-raised his opponents in 2008 by more than $2 million.
Media coverage. Incumbents also have an easier time attracting media attention, especially in neighborhood publications. Sitting lawmakers often have staff who focus partially or fully on getting media attention for their work. Challengers are forced to constantly struggle for media attention, and their efforts are often viewed as self-motivated and political.
We noted last week that one of the primary similarities between the initial Bonusgate scandal, involving Democrats, and the Perzel indictment is the desire to hold on to power, and the alleged willingness to break the law to do it. Regardless of party, there's a culture of incumbency in Harrisburg. Some people seem to think a job with the state legislature is a lifetime appointment.
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Contact:
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215-854-5307
doron.taussig@gmail.com
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@hollyotterbein
Juliana
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