Competing for endorsements

Endorsements are a simple language for communication between interest-group leaders and group members. The members, who share policy concerns, may not perfectly understand where their interests lie on certain issues. If their leaders cannot fully explain the issues, they can convey some information by endorsing a candidate or party. When interest groups endorse legislative contenders, the candidates may compete for backing. Policies may favor spe cial interests at the expense of the general public. We examine the conditi ons under which parties compete for endorsements, the extent to which polic y outcomes are skewed, and the normative properties of the political equili bria. (JEL D72).