THE MECHANISMS OF RUNOFF PRIMARY DISADVANTAGE

Objective. Runoff primaries have been alleged to be a limitation on th e ability of blacks to gain elective office. This research empirically tests hypotheses regarding the mechanisms of ''disadvantage'' and att empts to specify conditions under which black candidates could win. Me thods. Data from all levels of office for three election cycles-1967, 1971, and 1975-in Mississippi are subjected to regression analysis. Re sults. Black primary leadership is not an artifact of the number of wh ite candidates, nor do runoff candidates of either race necessarily ha ve difficulty mobilizing voters. When the first primary is close and t he black candidate leads, both black and white candidates are able to rally supporters. Conclusions. Whether runoff primaries work to the di sadvantage of black candidates depends upon circumstances. It is unlik ely that elimination of the runoff requirement will increase the numbe r of black officeholders significantly. Other strategies for increasin g black officeholding might be more fruitful.