RACISM, CYNICISM, ECONOMICS, AND DUKE,DAVID

In this article, a model is proposed and tested that explains support for David Duke in three statewide Louisiana elections. The model, whic h is tested at the individual level, includes independent variables to reflect the impact of racism, cynicism toward government, economic fa ctors, and a variety of demographic characteristics. Symbolic racial a ttitudes were by far the most influential factor in explaining Duke su pport in all three contests. This held true even when Duke faced conse rvative opponents and in the fact of controls for ideology and other c onfounding factors. The notion of the Duke vote as being a protest vot e or an expression of antigovernment feelings was only borne out in th e campaign against the incumbent. Modest economic effects were also ob served.