Constituent Interest and Senate Voting Behavior: Evidence from the Thomas Confirmation and the Gulf War Resolution

Abstract

This study contributes to a body of literature concerning determinants of congressional voting behavior. The model hypothesize& that representatives choose their votes to maximize expected utility, which is a function of their preferences as well as those of their constituents. Estimates are based on 1991 Senate data from the confirmation of Clarence Thomas and the Gulf War resolution. Results provide evidence in support of the constituent preference hypothesis. Furthermore, evidence indicates that senator who deviated from their predicted votes in supporting the war resolution were more prone to subsequently reject the confirmation of Mr. Thomas.