When parties and candidates collide - Citizen perception of house candidates' positions on abortion

When candidates assume issue positions opposite those of their sponsoring p olitical party do citizens recognize these positions? Relatedly, what role do candidates' actual issue positions play in citizens' perceptions of thei r issue positions? Examining citizens' perceptions of 1996 and 1998 House c andidates' position on abortion, this research finds that citizens' percept ions are shaped largely by partisan and, to a lesser extent, gender stereot ypes. However, candidates' individuating positions on abortion influence pe rceptions of the candidates' position, but the effects are considerably str onger for perceptions of Republican candidates. Democratic candidates are l ikely to adopt antiabortion positions in districts characterized by lower t han average levels of political awareness and education, reducing the likel ihood their party-contradicting position is accurately perceived. In contra st, Republican candidates adopt a pro-choice position in districts characte rized by high education and political awareness, increasing the likelihood their position is accurately perceived.