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The Messenger Game

Author

Listed:
  • Tao Li

    (School of Economics, University of Finance and Economics, 777 Guoding Road, Shanghai, 200433, China, litaoonline@gmail.com)

Abstract

We challenge the generally accepted ally principle in legislative politics that a preference outlier committee will distort information to the legislative floor. If interest groups (or other third parties) are rational, they will withhold the most precise information for fear of committee misrepresentation. As a result, even preference outlier committees could be disciplined by their own ignorance not to distort the lobbyist message, as they are uncertain whether lying pays for the current situation or not. Our result calls into question the theoretical foundation of the influential preference outlier debate in legislative politics.

Suggested Citation

  • Tao Li, 2007. "The Messenger Game," Journal of Theoretical Politics, , vol. 19(4), pages 489-501, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jothpo:v:19:y:2007:i:4:p:489-501
    DOI: 10.1177/09516298070190040501
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Paul E. Fischer & Phillip C. Stocken, 2001. "Imperfect Information and Credible Communication," Journal of Accounting Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 39(1), pages 119-134, June.
    2. Shepsle, Kenneth A. & Weingast, Barry R., 1987. "The Institutional Foundations of Committee Power," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 81(1), pages 85-104, March.
    3. Gilligan, Thomas W & Krehbiel, Keith, 1987. "Collective Decisionmaking and Standing Committees: An Informational Rationale for Restrictive Amendment Procedures," The Journal of Law, Economics, and Organization, Oxford University Press, vol. 3(2), pages 287-335, Fall.
    4. Crawford, Vincent P & Sobel, Joel, 1982. "Strategic Information Transmission," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 50(6), pages 1431-1451, November.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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