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Descriptive Representation and Latino Interest Bill Sponsorship in Congress

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  • Walter Clark Wilson

Abstract

Objective. This article examines dynamics related to the sponsorship of Latino interest bills in Congress. I focus particularly on the influence of Latino representatives. Methods. I employ an original data set that includes all bills sponsored during the 109th Congress (2005–2006) and use negative binomial and standard OLS regression techniques to test hypotheses that Latino representatives are more active sponsors of Latino interest bills than non‐Latino representatives. Results. Findings demonstrate that both the size of Latino constituencies in congressional districts and descriptive representation significantly and positively predict Latino interest bill sponsorship. Descriptive representation appears particularly influential regarding sponsorship of bills that deal with Latino concerns explicitly. Conclusion. The analysis establishes that descriptive representation enhances the substantive representation of Latinos in bill sponsorship. An important aspect of this phenomenon is a legislative style on the part of Latino representatives that more openly, actively, and specifically embraces the interests of Latino constituencies in policy proposals.

Suggested Citation

  • Walter Clark Wilson, 2010. "Descriptive Representation and Latino Interest Bill Sponsorship in Congress," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 91(4), pages 1043-1062, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:socsci:v:91:y:2010:i:4:p:1043-1062
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-6237.2010.00748.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Michael S. Rocca & Gabriel R. Sanchez & Joseph Uscinski, 2008. "Personal Attributes and Latino Voting Behavior in Congress," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 89(2), pages 392-405, June.
    2. Kathleen A. Bratton, 2006. "The Behavior and Success of Latino Legislators: Evidence from the States," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 87(5), pages 1136-1157, December.
    3. Miller, Warren E. & Stokes, Donald E., 1963. "Constituency Influence in Congress," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 57(1), pages 45-56, March.
    4. Benjamin R. Knoll, 2009. "¿Amigo de la Raza? Reexamining Determinants of Latino Support in the U.S. Congress," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 90(1), pages 179-195, March.
    5. Cameron, Charles & Epstein, David & O'Halloran, Sharyn, 1996. "Do Majority-Minority Districts Maximize Substantive Black Representation in Congress?," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 90(4), pages 794-812, December.
    6. Christian R. Grose, 2005. "Disentangling Constituency and Legislator Effects in Legislative Representation: Black Legislators or Black Districts?," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 86(2), pages 427-443, June.
    7. Dovi, Suzanne, 2002. "Preferable Descriptive Representatives: Will Just Any Woman, Black, or Latino Do?," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 96(4), pages 729-743, December.
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