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Political competition between differentiated candidates

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  • Krasa, Stefan
  • Polborn, Mattias K.

Abstract

We introduce a framework of electoral competition in which voters have general preferences over candidatesʼ immutable characteristics (such as gender, race or previously committed policy positions) as well as their policy positions, which are flexible. Candidates are uncertain about the distribution of voter preferences and choose policy positions to maximize their winning probability.

Suggested Citation

  • Krasa, Stefan & Polborn, Mattias K., 2012. "Political competition between differentiated candidates," Games and Economic Behavior, Elsevier, vol. 76(1), pages 249-271.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:gamebe:v:76:y:2012:i:1:p:249-271
    DOI: 10.1016/j.geb.2012.05.003
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Multidimensional policy; Voting; Political competition;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • D60 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - General

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