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INFORMATION TO USERS This manuscript has been reproduced from the microfilm master. UMI films the text directly from the original or copy submitted. Thus, some thesis and dissertation copies are in typewriter face, while others may t>e from any type of computer printer. The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. Broken or indistinct print, colored or poor quality illustrations and photographs, print bleedthrough, substandard margins, and improper alignment can adversely affect reproduction. In the unlikely event that the author did not send UMI a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if unauthorized copyright material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. Oversize materials (e.g., maps, drawings, charts) are reproduced by sectioning the original, beginning at the upper left-hand comer and continuing from left to right in equal sections with small overlaps. Each original is also photographed in one exposure and is included in reduced form at the back of the book. Photographs included in the original manuscript have been reproduced xerographically in this copy. Higher quality 6” x 9" black and white photographic prints are available for any photographs or illustrations appearing in this copy for an additional charge. Contact UMI directly to order. UMI* Bell & Howell Information and Learning 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, Ml 48106-1346 USA 800-521-0600 University of Oklahoma Graduate College The Tenuous Majority: The Effect of Two-Party Competition on the House of Representatives A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE GRADUATE FACULTY in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY By JOHN P. MEIERS Norman, Oklahoma 1999 UMI Number: 9935530 UMI Microfonn 9935530 Copyright 1999, by UMI Company. All rights reserved. This microform edition is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. UMI 300 North Zeeb Road Ann Arbor, MI 48103 © Copyright by John P. Meiers 1999 All Rights Reserved THE TENUOUS MAJORITY: The Effect of Two-Party Competition on the House of Representatives A DISSERTATION APPROVED FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Writing a dissertation has been one of the most cnallenging and rewarding endeavors of my life. But like most endeavors in life, it was not done alone. I have been the giateful beneficiary of numerous support from friends, family, and colleagues in academia and on Capitol Hill. Without their assistance, this dissertation would never have been written. Many of the key concepts regarding the Congress which I talk about in the concluding chapter were developed in Allen Hertzke’s “Congress and the Political System” course and in Gary Copeland’s graduate seminars on legislative process. 1 am especially indebted to Allen Hertzke for his love of students and political science, his tremendous scholarly capacity, and his commitment to furthering the scope of knowledge about American politics. 1 would like to acknowledge the crucial support of key individuals who were pivotal in helping me finish this project: my dissertation director and major professor. Dr. Ronald M. Peters; my parents Paul and Linda Meiers; my friend Frank Smist; and my wife, Jeanine Meiers. Ron Peters represents the finest blend of scholar, teacher, mentor, administrator, and manager. Most of the themes and subjects probed in this dissertation have their genesis in conversations with him throughout the past five years. I am deeply indebted to his wisdom of political history, political science, contemporary politics, and the art of writing a good dissertation. My parents have provided an important spiritual foundation for me as I traversed through my graduate school years. My mother Linda has devoted her life to insuring that iv each of her four children attain the highest levels of education possible. My own academic advancement would have been limited without her love and support. Frank Smist first encouraged me to study congressional politics at the graduate level. He is a first-rate teacher who cares about his students, both in and out of the classroom. Frank first exposed me to politics both in the classroom as an undergraduate, and on the campaign trail during his campaign. I wish to thank Frank for all of his support, advice, and assistance through the past five years. My wife. Jeanine, is my dearest love, my closest advisor, and my most cherished friend. Words cannot express my gratitude for the love and support she has given to me during the course of this project. Jeanine has been the loyal trooper who has followed me across the country in the 1990s in the pursuit of a finished dissertation. She helped me secure interviews on Capitol Hill, provided love and support, and served as an important resource in the writing process. This dissertation is a testament to her skills and faith in me. 1 also wish to thank the silent heroes who helped me complete this project. .A,t the University of Oklahoma. I wish to thank first and foremost LaDonna Sullivan, who has given me unqualified support dunng my tenure as a graduate student. LaDonna helped me navigate the bureaucratic mazes of the past five years, and has been a treasured friend. 1 am grateful to Geri Rowden. Debbie Else and Mary France for their timely assistance during the course of my graduate career. Robert Cox and Donald Maletz served faithfully on my graduate committees over the past five years, and I have benefitted fi’om their wisdom and advice. I wish to extend special thanks to Danney Goble, who agreed to serve as my outside member just prior to the dissertation defense. My students over the years at the University of Oklahoma have given my inspiration as a teacher and scholar. Seth Prince and Josh Wagner have been not only treasured students but also treasured friends. I also wish to thank my fellow graduate students, especially Craig Williams. Scott Buchanan. Lesli McCollum. Jon Mott. Mitch Fuller, and Jocelyn Jones for their friendship and support dunng the course of my graduate career. And at Rockhurst College. I wish to thank Dr. Charles Moran for his unwavering support of my academic career. On Capitol Hill. 1 wish to thank Congressman Robert Ehrlich and his staff for making me a part of their family during my year in Washington. 1 especially wish to thank Ehrlich's .Administrative Assistant. Steven Kreseski. and his office manager Diane Baker. Both are seasoned political professionals and bona fide veterans of the political battles of the 1990s. I learned much from each of them during my APS A Fellowship year, and I am grateful for all of their support and assistance in helping me complete this project. I also wish to thank Marj Kwah. Legislative Assistant to Congressman Ehrlich. who helped me understand the budget process in the House and the intricacies of the fiscal year 1999 budget process. I also wish to thank Richard Cross, a fellow lover of presidential biographies, for his wit. wisdom, wicked political humor, and amazing encyclopedic knowledge of all aspects of American politics. At the American Political Science Association. I wish to express my deepest thanks to Catherine Rudder and Jeffrey Biggs for running a first-rate program for further study and understanding of the modem Congress. vi TABLE OF CONTENTS Page LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES................................................................................. x ABSTRACT....................................................................................................................... xi CHAPTER I. THE RACE FOR THE HOUSE; Theoretical, Analytical, and Historical Background .................................................. I The Race for the House in the 199 0 s ....................................... 3 Contemporary Congressional Scholarship: Governing and Electoral Dimensions ......................... 8 The Governing Dimension ........................................................ 11 The Electoral Dimension .......................................................... 18 The Impact of Competition and Non-Competition On the House of Representatives ................................ 21 Sources of Two-Party Competition in the 1990s ....................... 28 Research Design and Structure ................................................... 33 II. THE 103^" CONGRESS AND THE 1994 CAMPAIGN: The Republican Takeover of the House and the New Era of Two-party Competition .............. 40 The Democratic Majority Governs .......................................... 48 The Republican Obstruction Strategy ...................................... 61 Democratic Culture and the Need for Change .......................... 69 Vll Republican Culture Working for the Majority ........................ 77 Democratic Governing Strategy as Electoral Strategy ........................................................... 87 Republicans on the Attack ......................................................... 94 Conclusion .................................................................................. 107 in. THE 104* CONGRESS AND THE 1996 CAMPAIGN: Armageddon: Competition for House Control in the 1990s ...................................................... 110 The Republican Majority: From Governing to Campaigning .......................................... 117 Democrats on the Attack ............................................................ 126 Governing as a Team, Running as a Team: House Republicans in the 104* Congress ................... 136 Toward Teamwork: