| SWRK 247 |
Dr. Hardina |
Part
I Congressional Races
Using information published by the Center for Responsive Politics, http://www.opensecrets.org, conduct a web search to answer the following questions:
1. What industries tend to provide campaign funds to each of the major political parties? Why would members of these industries be interested in influencing federal policies? Examples to look at: Defense; Agriculture,
TV/Movies.
2. Does there appear to be a gender gap in support for the 2004 Presidential candidates? Why? What current issues might explain such a gap?
3. Examine local zip code information by political party support. Do individuals within these zip codes have vested interests that they use contributions to protect? (For example, see 90210).
4. Examine contributions to current officeholders. Do their major contributors surprise you?
Part II State Races in
California
Go to the one of the state websites that is responsible for providing campaign donation information to California donors
Information on Campaign Contribution Filings (California Secretary of State):
California Voter Foundation (nonprofit group that monitors state elections):
Examine donations made to the current California office holders, members of
Congress, or members of the State Assembly or Senate. You can also find
information about state propositions.
Which
of these candidates has received the most donations?
What
industries typically donate to the Republican or Democratic candidates?
Are
the vested interests of those people or groups who fund (support or oppose)
state propositions obvious?