Dino Christenson – American Politics Speaker Series

Red, Blue and Grey Abstract pattern

K262, CGIS Knafel Building, 1737 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Dino Christenson, Boston University

“Cutting in Line: The Role of Interest Group Networks in Presidential Appointments”

Abstract: While prior work has shown that interest group opposition to presidential nominees can reduce the likelihood of confirmation and extend the confirmation period, little is known about the mechanism and context of these findings. This paper seeks to better understand the nature of interest group activity in presidential nominations by incorporating measures of interest group opposition, support and power into models of nomination duration. Using an original dataset of presidential nominations from the 106th to 111th Congresses, we find that when powerful interests are present, they affect the timing of executive branch nominations. Specifically, interest groups weigh in on executive branch nominations when the stakes are high, and legislators heed the alarm of the most powerful groups over the sheer number of groups in multiple stages of the appointment process. Our results have implications for today’s divisive political system.

This talk is free and open to the public.

The  American Politics Speaker Series (APSS)  invites speakers from outside Harvard to present research in American politics. Sponsored by the Center for American Political Studies, the Harvard Department of Government, and Harvard Kennedy School, the series is co-organized by Profs. Jon Rogowski, Ben Schneer, and Maya Sen.