Dimensions of District Attention over Time

This article analyzes indicators of incumbents' use of perquisites available for advertising and casework in the 96th (1979-80) and 97th (1981-82) Congresses. The analysis reveals that incumbents do not make systematic trade-offs in the use of resources available for advertising and casework. In addition, incumbents do not systematically adjust their home styles in response to short-term changes in election margins. Changes in incumbent expenditures, however, are significantly related to the use of casework resources and to total district attention. And consistent with findings of previous studies, the models here reveal that the more senior members are less attentive than their more junior colleagues. Finally, the analysis provides evidence that incumbents who occupy institutional maintenance positions in the House are less district oriented than those without such responsibilities.