State Politics & Policy Quarterly | Vol. 6 No. 3 | The Dynamics of Elite Endorsements in Professional Sports Facility Referendums

Abstract

Volume 6 • Number 3

Fall 2006

Research Articles

David M. Paul, The Ohio State University-Newark
Clyde Brown, Miami University
The Dynamics of Elite Endorsements in Professional Sports Facility Referendums

Over the past 20 years, nearly every major city in the United States has faced making the decision of whether to build a new stadium or other professional sports facility. In this period, 41 referendums have been held to authorize the public financing of such a facility. Previous studies have demonstrated that elite endorsements affect referendum voters, but these studies have not differentiated the effects of different kinds of elites on public support. We examine the differing effects of the support and opposition of elected officials, business groups, minority leaders, and community groups when modeling referendum outcomes. Our analysis reveals that among these elitesÍ cues, opposition by elected officials (either Republican or Democratic) has the greatest effect on the final referendum vote and that the size of the public subsidy has a significant influence on public support. We also find evidence that opposition by elected officials is exogenous to public opinion.

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