Most research on issue ownership examines the topic as an independent variable that may
shape campaign strategy or voter behavior. In contrast, our study looks at ownership as a …

Citizens hold robust stereotypes about the parties and their leaders, including the issues
they are most competent at handling and the character traits they exemplify. Yet, we know …

Although academic research has yielded mixed results, candidates and consultants are
rational people whose experience persuades them that “going negative” can be an effective …