*Direct correspondence to Benjamin Knoll, Department of Political Science, 341 Schaeffer Hall, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242 〈benjamin-knoll@uiowa.edu〉. Replication data are available from the author on request. The author sincerely thanks Rene Rocha of the University of Iowa, Peverill Squire of the University of Missouri, and several anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments, contributions, suggestions, and feedback. Thanks also to Blake Towle for his invaluable assistance with the data coding.
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¿Amigo de la Raza? Reexamining Determinants of Latino Support in the U.S. Congress†
Article first published online: 15 JAN 2009
DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-6237.2009.00610.x
© 2009 by the Southwestern Social Science Association
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How to Cite
Knoll, B. R. (2009), ¿Amigo de la Raza? Reexamining Determinants of Latino Support in the U.S. Congress. Social Science Quarterly, 90: 179–195. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-6237.2009.00610.x
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Publication History
- Issue published online: 15 JAN 2009
- Article first published online: 15 JAN 2009
- Abstract
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Objectives. This study updates and extends research on substantive Latino representation in the U.S. Congress. An improved method of measuring “Latino interests” is proposed.
Methods. Using a scorecard from the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda as the dependent variable, standard OLS regression is employed to determine the variables that best predict how members of the 108th Congress vote on issues that are salient to the Latino community.
Results. The findings indicate that Latinos are substantively represented overwhelmingly by Democrats and those from majority-Democratic districts or states, while religion and level of constituency poverty also play a notable role.
Conclusion. This study adds strong support to the “party as a substantive representative” model of minority representation. It also shows that Latinos are not more likely to be substantively represented by fellow Latinos, nor do larger Latino constituencies affect a lawmaker's propensity to vote in favor of Latino interests.