Document Type

Book

Publication Date

1-2016

Abstract

A widespread perception exists among political commentators, campaign operatives and presidential candidates that vice presidential running mates can deliver their home state's electoral votes in a presidential election. In recent elections, presidential campaigns have even changed their strategy in response to the perceived VP home state advantage. But is the advantage real? And could it decide a presidential election? In the most comprehensive analysis to date, Devine and Kopko demonstrate that the VP home state advantage is actually highly conditional and rarely decisive in the Electoral College. However, it could change the outcome of a presidential election under narrow but plausible conditions. Sophisticated in its methodology and rich in historical as well as contemporary insight, The VP Advantage is essential and accessible reading for anyone interested in understanding how running mates influence presidential elections.

ISBN/ISSN

978-1-7849-9338-2

Document Version

Postprint

Comments

The document available for download is the author's accepted manuscript, provided in compliance with the publisher's policy on self-archiving. Differences may exist between this document and the published version, which is available using the link provided. Permission documentation is on file.

Citation: Devine, Christopher J., and Kyle C. Kopko. 2016. The VP Advantage: How Running Mates Influence Home State Voting in Presidential Elections. Manchester, UK: Manchester University Press.

Publisher

Manchester University Press

Place of Publication

Manchester, England, UK

Link to published version

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