A senator depends on private contributions to fund his reelection campaigns since public campaign financing is not available. Though he is personally concerned about the environmental impact of burning coal, he accepts large campaign contributions from powerful coal companies in his state. This senator also sits on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee and uses his position to protect the interests of the coal industry to ensure he receives future campaign contributions. The policies promoted by this senator best reflect which motivations?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The senator's actions demonstrate a desire for electoral success by accepting private contributions from powerful coal companies and using his position on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee to protect their interests in order to maintain those contributions. This reflects electoral ambitions rather than personal interests, institutional ambitions, or ideology.

A Senator Depends on Private Contributions to Fund His Reelection