Who Wants to Run? How the Devaluing of Political Office Drives Polarization

My book manuscript argues that U.S. legislatures have become increasingly polarized and dysfunctional in part because of how difficult running for and holding office is. Combining theoretical and empirical evidence, I show how voters are forced to elect extremists because moderates don't run for office, and I document how the rising costs of running for office, and the falling benefits of holding office, have deterred moderates from running.