Parties’ Electoral Strategy and Resource Allocation:

Prime Ministerial Campaign Visits to Districts during Upper House Elections in Japan

Abstract

A prime minister’s campaign visits to candidates during elections are one of the most valuable resources that contribute to the electoral success of a party and its candidates, as well as campaign funds and legislative posts. This study discusses how a party allocates resources to its members by examining a prime minister’s visits to districts during elections. An analysis of the campaign behavior of a prime minister in Upper House elections in Japan finds that a prime minister’s visits are strategically designed to maximize party membership. In particular, a prime minister is more likely to visit those candidates who depend on party reputations for their electoral success and those who faces competitive races.