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Sigma: Journal of Political and International Studies

Keywords

electoral, legislative, competitiveness

Abstract

On 10 October 2016, the two major-party candidates for U.S. Representative of Utah's 4th Congressional district held a publicly televised debate. Incumbent Mia Love represented the Republican Party, and challenger Doug Owens was the Democratic nominee. During that debate, Representative Love made seven references to legislation she had supported during her last term. When asked what she would do to make higher education affordable, for example, her response focused on her legislative accomplishments, repeating twice that "I have introduced three bills to do that" (C-SPAN 2016). Her choice of emphasis reflected her efficient legislative record: In the previous term (her first), Representative Love secured committee consideration for 72 percent of the bills she introduced in the House (Library of Congress 2016).

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