STATE ECONOMIES AND STATE TAXES - DO VOTERS HOLD GOVERNORS ACCOUNTABLE

Theory: States have sufficient autonomy in the policies they adopt tha t voters hold state officials partly responsible for the condition of the state economy. As the best known state official, elected by a stat ewide constituency, governors in particular are held accountable for t he economic performance of their states. With respect to taxes, the cl ear locus of responsibility in state actions and the high visibility o f certain taxes suggest that governors will also be held responsible f or increased rates. Hypotheses: The performance of the state economy, tax increases, and voters' personal financial situations all influence voting behavior in gubernatorial elections. Methods: Legit equations, using 1986 ABC/Washington Post exit polls in 34 of 36 gubernatorial r aces, combined with economic and tax data from the states. Results: A poor state economy, increases in taxes, and lowered personal finances all contribute to votes against incumbent governors and their parties.