Robert J. Huckshorn

Assessing Party Organizational Strength

Most research on the problem of change in the U.S. political party system relies on trends in electoral behavior to assess the condition of parties. Generally, the conclusions drawn have been pessimistic. But though voters are undeniably an important dimension of party, so too are party organizations. Inferences have been drawn concerning the relationship between electoral behavior and party organizations, but the data that would permit the determination of whether party organizations suffer as a consequence of, or in covariation with, changing patterns of party identification and voting have not been available. This article presents evidence that state party organizations have not suffered during the last two decades. The analysis reveals that party organizations have become stronger since the early 1960s, although it notes a slight decline during the decade of the 1970s. And although interparty differences over the two decades are fairly substantial-with Republican organizations stronger than Democratic organizations-the trend through the early 1970s was one of diminishing differences between the parties. Since then the Republican advantage has increased, largely as a function of a recent Democratic decline in strength. The strength of state party organizations should not be taken to indicate the condition of the party system, but neither can other dimensions of party be understood without recognition that party organizations were weaker in the decade of The American Voter than they are today.

Party Integration and Party Organizational Strength

In this article, we consider the relationship of party organizational strength and state-national party integration. Specifically, we examine the thesis that national party organizations have made an important contribution to the strengthening of state party organizations. We test the hypothesis that state party organizational strength is a function of national party organization building efforts. Finally, we conclude by speculating on the implications of different development patterns for the performance of traditional party functions and the maintenance of the existing party system.

National Party Rules and Delegate Selection in the Republican Party

The Democratic partys quadrennial exercises in reform of the delegate selection process have caused political scientists and journalists to focus their attention on the Democratic party and to ignore the character and impact of the Republican rules. While the Democrats have been going through major revisions of their rules every four years since the disastrous 1968 convention, the Republicans have followed a quite different strategy. They have sought to maintain the basic procedures and party structure which had evolved prior to the era of the McGovern-Fraser Commission, and they have directed their efforts toward supporting federal, state, and local candidates and party organizations.

Trends in Party Organizational Strength, 1960-1980:

The organizational strength, structural complexity, and program activities of American state party apparatuses have steadily been changing—for the most part growing—since 1960. Through interviews and mail questionnaires with current and former state chairpersons, executive directors, and other key leaders, information about these organizational attributes was obtained for various time points; comparisons of state-level party work patterns stressed by incumbents in key positions at earlier and later periods facilitate trend analysis. Regional analysis of trends is also undertaken.

Changes in State Party Organization 1960–1980: A Preliminary Report and Request for Data

We are engaged in a study of the current and past condition of party organizations in the United States. The research examines parties within an institutional framework and seeks to measure the strength of party organizations at the national, state, and local levels. But in order to compare parties over time it is necessary to have longitudinal data. The purpose of this note is to ask interested researchers to share with us documented data on state party central committee staff and annual operating budgets or expenditures for the period 1960-1978. We would also appreciate suggestions for sources of such data for any of the state parties.