Gary Jacobson

NRA Pull in Congress Tested After 2012 Losses, Shooting

The National Rifle Association spent at least $12 million -- and bestowed its endorsement on Republican nominee Mitt Romney at a Virginia rally -- in its unsuccessful bid to oust President Barack Obama.

Republicans Can’t Claim Mandate as Democrats Top House Vote

Democrats failed to regain control of the U.S. House of Representatives even though they won 1 million more votes than Republicans. The number of states backing Senate and presidential candidates of the same party grew to the largest in at least 60 years. And President Barack Obama made history by losing every county in West Virginia.

Santorum Makes Case Against Romney in South

Rick Santorum pressed his attack against Mitt Romney, saying that on “key fronts of liberty” his opponent would be an inadequate choice to lead the charge against President Barack Obama as the two prime contenders for the Republican nomination battled for support in the Deep South.

Rove Groups’ $51 Million Erases Dems’ Advantage

Republicans trying to hold control of the U.S. House of Representatives will get a critical boost from independent groups, financial filings show.

Whitman Governor Bid Imperiled by Latino Voter Erosion

Meg Whitman wanted to portray a new Republican face to Latino voters. Then controversy erupted over the undocumented maid she fired, marring her outreach in the California governor race.

Party Loyalty to Insecure Leaders Brings Debt Talks to Precipice

President Barack Obama told the nation in his July 25 televised speech that Washington “is a city where ‘compromise’ is becoming a dirty word.”

Jobless Rate Trampled Democrats' Hopes, Obama's Change Agenda

The election that delivered control of the U.S. House of Representatives to Republicans was awash in numbers -- incumbents ousted, hundreds of millions in secret money, President Barack Obama ’s 45 percent approval rating.

Lugar’s Loss Shows Voters Ensure Partisanship They Decry

The defeat of Senator Richard Lugar of Indiana revealed a streak in the U.S. electorate that decries the partisanship and rancor in Washington while helping to ensure it with their votes.

Dependence on Government Payrolls Seen Hurting Unions

A resentment of organized labor, driven in part by its growing reliance on government jobs, is hurting unions at the ballot box.

Voters Poised to Re-Elect Incumbents They Don’t Much Like

For a member of the U.S. Congress, Republican or Democrat, the numbers could hardly look worse. Almost 8 in 10 Americans disapprove of lawmakers’ performance, and unemployment has been above 8 percent for 41 consecutive months.

"It confirms that the trend toward increased party-line voting observed over the past couple of decades continues."

- Gary Jacobson on Nov 15, 2012

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Berkshire Cash Hits Record $49.1 Billion as Profit Climbs

Vinik to Shut Hedge-Fund Business to Focus on Hockey Team

J.C. Penney Spent $170 Million to Install Johnson Team

Kobe Bryant Sued Over Bid to Block Mom’s Memorabilia Sale

U.S. Stocks Rise to Record; Copper Jumps, Treasuries Drop