The Not-So-Special Interests: Interest Groups, Public Representation, and American Governance. By Matt Grossmann. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 2012. 248p. $80.00 cloth, $24.95 paper.

2013 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 949-950
Author(s):  
Thomas E. Mann
Keyword(s):  
Interest Groups ◽  
Stanford University ◽  
Special Interests ◽  
Public Representation

scholarly journals Competing for Endorsements

1999 ◽  
Vol 89 (3) ◽  
pp. 501-524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gene M Grossman ◽  
Elhanan Helpman
Keyword(s):  
Interest Groups ◽  
Interest Group ◽  
General Public ◽  
Policy Outcomes ◽  
The Political ◽  
Special Interests ◽  
Group Leaders ◽  
Simple Language ◽  
Group Members

Endorsements are a simple language for communication between interest-group leaders and group members. The members, who share policy concerns, may not perfectly understand where their interests lie on certain issues. If their leaders cannot fully explain the issues, they can convey some information by endorsing a candidate or party. When interest groups endorse legislative contenders, the candidates may compete for backing. Policies may favor special interests at the expense of the general public. We examine the conditions under which parties compete for endorsements, the extent to which policy outcomes are skewed, and the normative properties of the political equilibria. (JEL D72)

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