Two candidates are running for election as mayors of New York City that was recently impacted by Superstorm Sandy. In their election platforms, both candidates supported spending very similar amounts on hurricane protection. This similarity is most likely the result of
A) both candidates necessarily having the same preferences towards risk and protection.
B) the Principle of Minimum Differentiation.
C) both the candidates realize that hurricane protection is a public good.
D) politicians only take efficiency into account and hence all candidates will suggest the efficient outcome.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Principle of Minimum Differentiation suggests that in order to capture the maximum number of voters, candidates will often adopt similar positions on key issues, especially when those issues are highly salient to the electorate.

Two Candidates Are Running for Election as Mayors of New