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Evidence from Voting Behaviour
Roger Scully
in Becoming Europeans?: Attitudes, Behaviour, and Socialization in the European Parliament
10.1093/0199284326.003.0006
Political Science, European Union
This chapter examines empirical evidence on MEPs' behaviour inside the European Parliament. Multivariate analysis of behaviour on several key votes in the chamber directly concerned with the ... More
This chapter examines empirical evidence on MEPs' behaviour inside the European Parliament. Multivariate analysis of behaviour on several key votes in the chamber directly concerned with the advancement of European integration demonstrates there to be no consistent relationship between greater experience in the chamber (and thus longer exposure to the forces of socialization) and support for advancing European unity. A time-series analysis of the behaviour of new MEPs during the first months of the 1999-2004 parliament shows no tendency for them to become increasingly likely to side with their European rather than national party colleagues when these two forms of party loyalty come into conflict.Less
This chapter examines empirical evidence on MEPs' behaviour inside the European Parliament. Multivariate analysis of behaviour on several key votes in the chamber directly concerned with the advancement of European integration demonstrates there to be no consistent relationship between greater experience in the chamber (and thus longer exposure to the forces of socialization) and support for advancing European unity. A time-series analysis of the behaviour of new MEPs during the first months of the 1999-2004 parliament shows no tendency for them to become increasingly likely to side with their European rather than national party colleagues when these two forms of party loyalty come into conflict.
Keywords: voting behaviour, empirical analysis, MEP, European Parliament
A Theory of Referendum Behaviour
Sara Binzer Hobolt
in Europe in Question: Referendums on European Integration
Political Science, Comparative Politics, European Union
This chapter lays out a theoretical framework for understanding referendum behaviour. The core component of the theory is a model of voting behaviour, which outlines how attitudes shape vote choices, ... More
This chapter lays out a theoretical framework for understanding referendum behaviour. The core component of the theory is a model of voting behaviour, which outlines how attitudes shape vote choices, influenced by the information that voters receive from political parties and other elites. The framework highlights first that differences in political interest among individuals also lead to diverse patterns of voting behaviour and second, that the campaign context shapes electoral outcomes. Politically aware voters base their vote choice on more sophisticated decision criteria and intense campaigns lead to more issue voting. These two aspects of referendum behaviour ‐ individual‐level differences and campaign effects ‐ are examined in a comparative analysis of EU referendums in the subsequent chapters.Less
This chapter lays out a theoretical framework for understanding referendum behaviour. The core component of the theory is a model of voting behaviour, which outlines how attitudes shape vote choices, influenced by the information that voters receive from political parties and other elites. The framework highlights first that differences in political interest among individuals also lead to diverse patterns of voting behaviour and second, that the campaign context shapes electoral outcomes. Politically aware voters base their vote choice on more sophisticated decision criteria and intense campaigns lead to more issue voting. These two aspects of referendum behaviour ‐ individual‐level differences and campaign effects ‐ are examined in a comparative analysis of EU referendums in the subsequent chapters.
Keywords: campaign, Downs, information, issue voting, political awareness, proximity model, uncertainty, reversion point, spatial models, voting behaviour
A Comparative Analysis of Voting Behaviour
This chapter presents a comparative analysis of voting behaviour in 19 EU referendums held in Denmark, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, and Spain between 1972 and 2008. It relies ... More
This chapter presents a comparative analysis of voting behaviour in 19 EU referendums held in Denmark, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, and Spain between 1972 and 2008. It relies on statistical analysis of survey data from these referendums to evaluate the theoretical framework presented in Chapter 2. The results reveal the influence of attitudes towards European integration, partisan loyalties and feelings about the government on voters' decisions. They also highlight that voters differ in their voting behaviour depending on their level of interest in and knowledge of politics. Voters who are more politically aware are more likely to rely on their attitudes towards European integration when deciding in EU referendums compared to voters who pay less attention to politics.Less
This chapter presents a comparative analysis of voting behaviour in 19 EU referendums held in Denmark, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, and Spain between 1972 and 2008. It relies on statistical analysis of survey data from these referendums to evaluate the theoretical framework presented in Chapter 2. The results reveal the influence of attitudes towards European integration, partisan loyalties and feelings about the government on voters' decisions. They also highlight that voters differ in their voting behaviour depending on their level of interest in and knowledge of politics. Voters who are more politically aware are more likely to rely on their attitudes towards European integration when deciding in EU referendums compared to voters who pay less attention to politics.
Keywords: attitudes, European Union, issue voting, knowledge, partisanship, party identification, political awareness, referendum, second‐order, voting behaviour
Cleavage Politics
Oddbjørn Knutsen and Elinor Scarbrough
in The Impact of Values
Political Science, Comparative Politics
This chapter assesses the plausibility of claims about the changing dynamics of mass politics in Western Europe, by contrasting the 'cleavage' and 'values' models of voting behaviour. These represent ... More
This chapter assesses the plausibility of claims about the changing dynamics of mass politics in Western Europe, by contrasting the 'cleavage' and 'values' models of voting behaviour. These represent the disintegrative and integrative functions of political affiliation. The article then sets out a model of party choice that is empirically tested against voting statistics for the period from the early 1970s to 1990. The findings, while mixed, point to the general conclusion that the basis of party choice is more stable than has been suggested by 'new politics' accounts.Less
Oddbjørn KnutsenElinor Scarbrough
This chapter assesses the plausibility of claims about the changing dynamics of mass politics in Western Europe, by contrasting the 'cleavage' and 'values' models of voting behaviour. These represent the disintegrative and integrative functions of political affiliation. The article then sets out a model of party choice that is empirically tested against voting statistics for the period from the early 1970s to 1990. The findings, while mixed, point to the general conclusion that the basis of party choice is more stable than has been suggested by 'new politics' accounts.
Keywords: value orientations, voting behaviour, Western Europe
An Initial Assessment of the Consequences of MMP in New Zealand
Fiona Barker, Jonathan Boston, Stephen Levine, Elizabeth McLeay, and Nigel S. Roberts
in Mixed-Member Electoral Systems: The Best of Both Worlds?
10.1093/019925768X.003.0015
The purpose is to provide an initial assessment of the impact of the introduction of the mixed‐member proportional (MMP) electoral system on the New Zealand political system, especially with regard ... More
The purpose is to provide an initial assessment of the impact of the introduction of the mixed‐member proportional (MMP) electoral system on the New Zealand political system, especially with regard to the normative criteria established by the New Zealand Royal Commission on the Electoral System. However, since the normative nature of these criteria may limit the breadth of any analysis (they are not necessarily comprehensive and unambiguous, nor do they provide a watertight framework for evaluation), this particular discussion of the impact of MMP on the New Zealand political system is left until the last section. The bulk of the chapter instead employs the findings of political scientists on the relationships between electoral systems, political behavior, and political institutions. These are presented in 10 sections: Anticipating the New Electoral System; The Election and Government Formation; The Political Parties and the Party System; Political Recruitment and Careers; Voting Behavior; Parliament; Government Transition and Durability; Government and the Policy Process; The Future of the New Electoral System; and Winners and Losers. The authors make the point that (as in Germany) personalized geographic representation has continued even as the overall system has been made more proportional.Less
Fiona BarkerJonathan BostonStephen LevineElizabeth McLeayNigel S. Roberts
The purpose is to provide an initial assessment of the impact of the introduction of the mixed‐member proportional (MMP) electoral system on the New Zealand political system, especially with regard to the normative criteria established by the New Zealand Royal Commission on the Electoral System. However, since the normative nature of these criteria may limit the breadth of any analysis (they are not necessarily comprehensive and unambiguous, nor do they provide a watertight framework for evaluation), this particular discussion of the impact of MMP on the New Zealand political system is left until the last section. The bulk of the chapter instead employs the findings of political scientists on the relationships between electoral systems, political behavior, and political institutions. These are presented in 10 sections: Anticipating the New Electoral System; The Election and Government Formation; The Political Parties and the Party System; Political Recruitment and Careers; Voting Behavior; Parliament; Government Transition and Durability; Government and the Policy Process; The Future of the New Electoral System; and Winners and Losers. The authors make the point that (as in Germany) personalized geographic representation has continued even as the overall system has been made more proportional.
Keywords: electoral reform, electoral systems, government, mixed‐member electoral systems, mixed‐member proportional systems, New Zealand, parliament, party system, policy process, political behavior, political careers, political institutions, political parties, political recruitment, political systems, voting behavior
From No to Yes: The Danish and Irish Referendums on the Maastricht and Nice Treaties
In this case study chapter, four critical referendums are examined in greater detail: the two Danish referendums on the Maastricht Treaty and the two Irish referendums on the Nice Treaty. In both ... More
In this case study chapter, four critical referendums are examined in greater detail: the two Danish referendums on the Maastricht Treaty and the two Irish referendums on the Nice Treaty. In both cases, the initial no‐votes were overturned in a second vote. This chapter ask the question: why did some voters change their minds? These case studies trace the dynamics of elite behaviour and public opinion formation during the course of the campaigns. Through in‐depth analyses of newspapers, campaign material, opinion polls, and interviews with key actors in the campaign, this chapter gives a rich description of political behaviour in the campaigns leading up to the referendum votes. This chapter provides a detailed analysis of how differences in the political environment — and specifically the information disseminated by political elites — influenced the behaviour of citizens in these referendums on European integration.Less
In this case study chapter, four critical referendums are examined in greater detail: the two Danish referendums on the Maastricht Treaty and the two Irish referendums on the Nice Treaty. In both cases, the initial no‐votes were overturned in a second vote. This chapter ask the question: why did some voters change their minds? These case studies trace the dynamics of elite behaviour and public opinion formation during the course of the campaigns. Through in‐depth analyses of newspapers, campaign material, opinion polls, and interviews with key actors in the campaign, this chapter gives a rich description of political behaviour in the campaigns leading up to the referendum votes. This chapter provides a detailed analysis of how differences in the political environment — and specifically the information disseminated by political elites — influenced the behaviour of citizens in these referendums on European integration.
Keywords: Denmark, campaign, Ireland, Maastricht Treaty, Nice Treaty, political parties, public opinion, ratification, referendum, voting behaviour
Political Choice in Britain
Harold D. Clarke, David Sanders, Marianne C. Stewart, and Paul Whiteley
in Political Choice in Britain
Political Science, UK Politics
Introduces the principal questions–why British citizens vote, why they make the party choices that they do, to what extent do they engage with the political process beyond participation in elections, ... More
Introduces the principal questions–why British citizens vote, why they make the party choices that they do, to what extent do they engage with the political process beyond participation in elections, and what does the pattern of engagement over the last four decades tell us about the health of contemporary British democracy–that structure the analyses in various chapters. Chapter 1 also presents an overview of the two major competing theoretical frameworks, the sociological and individual-rationality frameworks, and various specific models located in these frameworks, which are used to answer these questions. The 2001 BES data set and various other data sets employed in the analyses are described, and the content of the several chapters that follow is summarized.Less
Harold D. ClarkeDavid SandersMarianne C. StewartPaul Whiteley
Introduces the principal questions–why British citizens vote, why they make the party choices that they do, to what extent do they engage with the political process beyond participation in elections, and what does the pattern of engagement over the last four decades tell us about the health of contemporary British democracy–that structure the analyses in various chapters. Chapter 1 also presents an overview of the two major competing theoretical frameworks, the sociological and individual-rationality frameworks, and various specific models located in these frameworks, which are used to answer these questions. The 2001 BES data set and various other data sets employed in the analyses are described, and the content of the several chapters that follow is summarized.
Keywords: 2001 British Election Study, elections, survey data, turnout, voting behaviour
The Political Consequences of Germany's Mixed‐Member System: Personalization at the Grass Roots?
Hans‐Dieter Klingemann and Bernhard Wessels
Addresses the question of the relevance the German mixed‐member electoral system has for the party system and for candidate vote, and argues that the mixed‐member electoral system does indeed live up ... More
Addresses the question of the relevance the German mixed‐member electoral system has for the party system and for candidate vote, and argues that the mixed‐member electoral system does indeed live up to its German moniker of 'personalized proportional representation', in that it provides at once individualized representation of geographic constituencies and proportionality. The analysis proceeds in four steps and discusses the impact of the electoral system on the interparty and intraparty dimensions. The first two sections deal with the impact of the electoral system (a) on the party system, and (b) on voting behavior, with special attention to ticket‐splitting. The third and fourth sections deal with (a) candidate selection and opportunity structures as shaped by the electoral system and the parties, and (b) the likelihood of a district performance‐based personal vote for members of parliament. Concludes with a confrontation of the normative expectations of the founding fathers and empirical reality and speculates about the future of the German party system.Less
Hans‐Dieter KlingemannBernhard Wessels
Addresses the question of the relevance the German mixed‐member electoral system has for the party system and for candidate vote, and argues that the mixed‐member electoral system does indeed live up to its German moniker of 'personalized proportional representation', in that it provides at once individualized representation of geographic constituencies and proportionality. The analysis proceeds in four steps and discusses the impact of the electoral system on the interparty and intraparty dimensions. The first two sections deal with the impact of the electoral system (a) on the party system, and (b) on voting behavior, with special attention to ticket‐splitting. The third and fourth sections deal with (a) candidate selection and opportunity structures as shaped by the electoral system and the parties, and (b) the likelihood of a district performance‐based personal vote for members of parliament. Concludes with a confrontation of the normative expectations of the founding fathers and empirical reality and speculates about the future of the German party system.
Keywords: candidate selection, electoral reform, electoral systems, Germany, mixed‐member electoral systems, opportunity structures, party system, performance‐based voting, personalized proportional representation, ticket‐splitting, voting behavior
Campaign Effects in Referendums
This chapter examines how the campaign context influences voting behaviour in referendums on Europe. Based on analysis of media coverage, opinion polls, and elite polarization, the chapter evaluates ... More
This chapter examines how the campaign context influences voting behaviour in referendums on Europe. Based on analysis of media coverage, opinion polls, and elite polarization, the chapter evaluates how the campaign context shapes political participation and vote choices. The key finding is that as the intensity of the referendum campaign increases, voters will rely more heavily on sophisticated criteria, such as attitudes and issue position, and political elites will find it more difficult to persuade citizens to vote a certain way. Moreover, intense campaigns also mobilize individuals to participate in referendums. Hence, the campaign environment in EU referendums acts as both an informer and a mobilizer and influences patterns of behaviour.Less
This chapter examines how the campaign context influences voting behaviour in referendums on Europe. Based on analysis of media coverage, opinion polls, and elite polarization, the chapter evaluates how the campaign context shapes political participation and vote choices. The key finding is that as the intensity of the referendum campaign increases, voters will rely more heavily on sophisticated criteria, such as attitudes and issue position, and political elites will find it more difficult to persuade citizens to vote a certain way. Moreover, intense campaigns also mobilize individuals to participate in referendums. Hence, the campaign environment in EU referendums acts as both an informer and a mobilizer and influences patterns of behaviour.
Keywords: campaign, context, intensity, media, mobilization, political parties, polarization, referendum, turnout, voting behaviour
Follow the Party or Follow the Leader? Candidate Evaluations, Party Evaluations, and Macropolitical Context
Yuliya V. Tverdova
in Citizens, Context, and Choice: How Context Shapes Citizens' Electoral Choices
The Michigan model of voting contends that candidate images may influence individual voting behavior. Yet scholarly research has produced mixed results regarding the relative strength of party-based ... More
The Michigan model of voting contends that candidate images may influence individual voting behavior. Yet scholarly research has produced mixed results regarding the relative strength of party-based versus candidate-based voting. The present chapter seeks to contribute to the ongoing debate about the personalization of politics as well as the modern role of political parties for electoral behavior in a cross-national setting. Using a methodologically innovative two-step approach to analyzing multilevel data, the chapter looks at how individuals' feelings of representation by political parties and leaders affect their vote choices. The first step involves a regression analysis of 189 vote choice models across thirty-three nations in thirty-five elections. The subsequent step combines the estimates from the first step with party- and system-specific measure for the assessment of contextual effects on the strength of party-based and candidate-based voting. Overall, the results of the analysis confirm that both party and candidate images are important for individual vote choices. Furthermore, the relative strength of party-based and candidate-based voting is in part determined by the macropolitical context.Less
The Michigan model of voting contends that candidate images may influence individual voting behavior. Yet scholarly research has produced mixed results regarding the relative strength of party-based versus candidate-based voting. The present chapter seeks to contribute to the ongoing debate about the personalization of politics as well as the modern role of political parties for electoral behavior in a cross-national setting. Using a methodologically innovative two-step approach to analyzing multilevel data, the chapter looks at how individuals' feelings of representation by political parties and leaders affect their vote choices. The first step involves a regression analysis of 189 vote choice models across thirty-three nations in thirty-five elections. The subsequent step combines the estimates from the first step with party- and system-specific measure for the assessment of contextual effects on the strength of party-based and candidate-based voting. Overall, the results of the analysis confirm that both party and candidate images are important for individual vote choices. Furthermore, the relative strength of party-based and candidate-based voting is in part determined by the macropolitical context.
Keywords: voting behavior, candidates, leaders, representation, personalization, electoral supply, CSES, two-step analysis
Political Choice in Britain uses data from the 1964 to 2001 British election studies (BES), 1992 to 2002 monthly Gallup polls, and numerous other national surveys conducted over the past ... More
Political Choice in Britain uses data from the 1964 to 2001 British election studies (BES), 1992 to 2002 monthly Gallup polls, and numerous other national surveys conducted over the past four decades to test the explanatory power of rival sociological and individual rationality models of electoral turnout and party choice. Analyses endorse a valence politics model that challenges the long-dominant social class model. British voters make their choices by evaluating the performance of parties and party leaders in economic and other important policy areas. Although these evaluations may be largely products of events that occur long before an election campaign officially begins, parties' national and local campaign activities are also influential. Consistent with the valence politics model, partisan attachments display individual- and aggregate-level dynamics that reflect ongoing judgements about the managerial abilities of parties and their leaders. A general incentives model provides the best explanation of turnout. Calculations of the costs and influence-discounted benefits of voting and sense of civic duty are key variables in this model. Significantly, the decline in turnout in recent elections does not reflect more general negative trends in public attitudes about the political system. Voters judge the performance of British democracy in much the same way as they evaluate its parties and politicians. Support at all levels of the political system is a renewable resource, but one that must be renewed.Less
Political Choice in Britain uses data from the 1964 to 2001 British election studies (BES), 1992 to 2002 monthly Gallup polls, and numerous other national surveys conducted over the past four decades to test the explanatory power of rival sociological and individual rationality models of electoral turnout and party choice. Analyses endorse a valence politics model that challenges the long-dominant social class model. British voters make their choices by evaluating the performance of parties and party leaders in economic and other important policy areas. Although these evaluations may be largely products of events that occur long before an election campaign officially begins, parties' national and local campaign activities are also influential. Consistent with the valence politics model, partisan attachments display individual- and aggregate-level dynamics that reflect ongoing judgements about the managerial abilities of parties and their leaders. A general incentives model provides the best explanation of turnout. Calculations of the costs and influence-discounted benefits of voting and sense of civic duty are key variables in this model. Significantly, the decline in turnout in recent elections does not reflect more general negative trends in public attitudes about the political system. Voters judge the performance of British democracy in much the same way as they evaluate its parties and politicians. Support at all levels of the political system is a renewable resource, but one that must be renewed.
Keywords: 2001 British election study, civic duty, democracy satisfaction, economic evaluations, election campaigns, general incentives model, party leaders, turnout, valence politics model, voting behaviour
Electoral Participation
Sami Borg
This chapter looks at the relationship between value orientation and voting behaviour from an individual or micro perspective. Its primary aim is to evaluate, in the light of available data, the ... More
This chapter looks at the relationship between value orientation and voting behaviour from an individual or micro perspective. Its primary aim is to evaluate, in the light of available data, the impact of two value orientations (materialist/post‐materialist and religious‐secular) on the decision to vote (without regard to the choice of party to vote for), and to compare this with the impact of traditional socio‐economic factors. The findings suggest that while post‐materialist values have little effect, at least some part of the decline in voter turnout is attributable to the weakening of religious orientations in Western Europe.Less
This chapter looks at the relationship between value orientation and voting behaviour from an individual or micro perspective. Its primary aim is to evaluate, in the light of available data, the impact of two value orientations (materialist/post‐materialist and religious‐secular) on the decision to vote (without regard to the choice of party to vote for), and to compare this with the impact of traditional socio‐economic factors. The findings suggest that while post‐materialist values have little effect, at least some part of the decline in voter turnout is attributable to the weakening of religious orientations in Western Europe.
Keywords: materialism, post‐materialism, religiosity, voting behaviour, Western Europe
'President Persson'—How Did 'President Persson'—How Did Sweden Get Him?
Nicholas Aylott
in The Presidentialization of Politics: A Comparative Study of Modern Democracies
Sweden is undoubtedly a parliamentary democracy. Indeed, many felt that the legislature had become too strong, and the executive too weak. But recently, this argument has been turned round. The ... More
Sweden is undoubtedly a parliamentary democracy. Indeed, many felt that the legislature had become too strong, and the executive too weak. But recently, this argument has been turned round. The Social Democratic Prime Minister, Göran Persson, has frequently been described as a 'presidential' figure. Has Sweden become presidentialized?Organizational changes, including the empowerment of the Prime Minister's Office and the country's accession to the EU in 1994, have certainly enhanced the chief executive's resources. Just as important, though, has been the interaction of the Swedish style of 'negative parliamentarism' and the contemporary party system. While the Left bloc has a parliamentary majority, the practical consequence is to make any alternative to a Social Democratic prime minister highly unlikely. With full control of his party, his position becomes nearly impregnable. Other ministers are increasingly recruited from outside parliament, as in a presidential system. When it comes to the electoral face, the picture is less clear. The media are certainly more party-leader-focused. But persuasive evidence that this also applies to voting behaviour has not (yet) been found. In sum, Sweden has become somewhat 'presidentialized'. But electoral shifts, especially if they lead to change in the party system, could set the process back.Less
Sweden is undoubtedly a parliamentary democracy. Indeed, many felt that the legislature had become too strong, and the executive too weak. But recently, this argument has been turned round. The Social Democratic Prime Minister, Göran Persson, has frequently been described as a 'presidential' figure. Has Sweden become presidentialized?
Organizational changes, including the empowerment of the Prime Minister's Office and the country's accession to the EU in 1994, have certainly enhanced the chief executive's resources. Just as important, though, has been the interaction of the Swedish style of 'negative parliamentarism' and the contemporary party system. While the Left bloc has a parliamentary majority, the practical consequence is to make any alternative to a Social Democratic prime minister highly unlikely. With full control of his party, his position becomes nearly impregnable. Other ministers are increasingly recruited from outside parliament, as in a presidential system. When it comes to the electoral face, the picture is less clear. The media are certainly more party-leader-focused. But persuasive evidence that this also applies to voting behaviour has not (yet) been found. In sum, Sweden has become somewhat 'presidentialized'. But electoral shifts, especially if they lead to change in the party system, could set the process back.
Keywords: bloc politics, intra-party power, media, negative parliamentarism, party leader, Persson, presidentialization, Social Democrats, Sweden, voting behaviour
Political Ramifications of the Iraq Casualty Gap
Douglas L. Kriner and Francis X. Shen
in The Casualty Gap: The Causes and Consequences of American Wartime Inequalities
Political Science, International Relations and Politics
Combining individual-level survey data with state and county electoral returns, this chapter empirically investigates whether the relationships between local casualties, public opinion, and voting ... More
Combining individual-level survey data with state and county electoral returns, this chapter empirically investigates whether the relationships between local casualties, public opinion, and voting behavior in Iraq parallel those observed during the Vietnam era. The data reveal that some of these relationships in the contemporary conflict are dramatically different from those observed in Vietnam, while others remain eerily similar. Americans' differential exposure to casualties continues to play a significant role in influencing support for the war and for the political leaders charged with directing it. At their core, the results of the analysis of Iraq strongly reaffirm that the casualty gap has critically important political ramifications for American governance. Public opinion turns increasingly against the war when citizens experience the costs of war first-hand through casualties from their local community. Because high casualty-rate communities historically tend to have lower levels of income and education, and their residents are less engaged with politics than their peers from low casualty-rate communities, the dampening effect of casualties on hawkish military policies is weaker in practice than conventional wisdom suggests.Less
Douglas L. KrinerFrancis X. Shen
Combining individual-level survey data with state and county electoral returns, this chapter empirically investigates whether the relationships between local casualties, public opinion, and voting behavior in Iraq parallel those observed during the Vietnam era. The data reveal that some of these relationships in the contemporary conflict are dramatically different from those observed in Vietnam, while others remain eerily similar. Americans' differential exposure to casualties continues to play a significant role in influencing support for the war and for the political leaders charged with directing it. At their core, the results of the analysis of Iraq strongly reaffirm that the casualty gap has critically important political ramifications for American governance. Public opinion turns increasingly against the war when citizens experience the costs of war first-hand through casualties from their local community. Because high casualty-rate communities historically tend to have lower levels of income and education, and their residents are less engaged with politics than their peers from low casualty-rate communities, the dampening effect of casualties on hawkish military policies is weaker in practice than conventional wisdom suggests.
Keywords: war casualties, casualty gap, public opinion, voting behavior, War in Iraq
Richard Topf
in Citizens and the State
Examines trends in electoral turnout across Western Europe during the post‐war period. It first tests the hypothesis that a strengthening of individualist values is taking place at the expense of ... More
Examines trends in electoral turnout across Western Europe during the post‐war period. It first tests the hypothesis that a strengthening of individualist values is taking place at the expense of collectivist values, and that this predicts a general trend towards lower levels of turnout. It then proceeds to examine the relationship between changes in turnout levels and demographic changes. Its main findings raise serious doubts about the declining turnout hypothesis, concluding that such changes in turnout levels, as there have been, can be primarily accounted for by demographic changes.Less
Examines trends in electoral turnout across Western Europe during the post‐war period. It first tests the hypothesis that a strengthening of individualist values is taking place at the expense of collectivist values, and that this predicts a general trend towards lower levels of turnout. It then proceeds to examine the relationship between changes in turnout levels and demographic changes. Its main findings raise serious doubts about the declining turnout hypothesis, concluding that such changes in turnout levels, as there have been, can be primarily accounted for by demographic changes.
Keywords: demography, electoral turnout, voting behaviour, Western Europe
The Impact of Candidate Traits in American Presidential Elections
Larry M. Bartels
in Leaders' Personalities and the Outcomes of Democratic Elections
The aim of this chapter is to provide a systematic test of the conventional wisdom that personality is key in contemporary American electoral politics. Using survey data from the six most recent ... More
The aim of this chapter is to provide a systematic test of the conventional wisdom that personality is key in contemporary American electoral politics. Using survey data from the six most recent presidential elections, the contours are examines of the candidates' images (traits), the bases of those images in voters' more fundamental political predispositions, and the impact of voters' assessments of the candidates' personal qualities on individual voting behaviour and on aggregate election outcomes. In stark contrast with the popular conception of contemporary electoral politics as candidate–centred and image–driven, it is argued that candidates' images are largely epiphenomenal and have only a modest impact on election outcomes. This conclusion is underlined by the analysis given of the 2000 (Bush vs. Gore) presidential election, in which the estimated impact of voters' assessments of the candidates' personalities was even smaller than in the previous five elections considered here, although quite probably large enough to be decisive in an election decided by a few hundred votes in a single state.Less
The aim of this chapter is to provide a systematic test of the conventional wisdom that personality is key in contemporary American electoral politics. Using survey data from the six most recent presidential elections, the contours are examines of the candidates' images (traits), the bases of those images in voters' more fundamental political predispositions, and the impact of voters' assessments of the candidates' personal qualities on individual voting behaviour and on aggregate election outcomes. In stark contrast with the popular conception of contemporary electoral politics as candidate–centred and image–driven, it is argued that candidates' images are largely epiphenomenal and have only a modest impact on election outcomes. This conclusion is underlined by the analysis given of the 2000 (Bush vs. Gore) presidential election, in which the estimated impact of voters' assessments of the candidates' personalities was even smaller than in the previous five elections considered here, although quite probably large enough to be decisive in an election decided by a few hundred votes in a single state.
Keywords: Bush, candidates' images, candidates' personal characteristics, candidates' personalities, candidates' traits, democratic elections, election outcomes, Gore, United States, voting behaviour
Citizens, Context, and Choice
Russell J. Dalton and Christopher J. Anderson
An established literature in electoral studies maintains that the electoral system and other contextual factors shape the incentive structure for voters, and thereby influences individual electoral ... More
An established literature in electoral studies maintains that the electoral system and other contextual factors shape the incentive structure for voters, and thereby influences individual electoral behavior. This chapter describes a theoretical framework for differentiating between various types of contextual effects on individual citizens. It also describes the cross-national variation on key contextual variables for nations in the Cross-national Study of Electoral Systems (CSES). Finally, it introduces the chapters of this volume.Less
Russell J. DaltonChristopher J. Anderson
An established literature in electoral studies maintains that the electoral system and other contextual factors shape the incentive structure for voters, and thereby influences individual electoral behavior. This chapter describes a theoretical framework for differentiating between various types of contextual effects on individual citizens. It also describes the cross-national variation on key contextual variables for nations in the Cross-national Study of Electoral Systems (CSES). Finally, it introduces the chapters of this volume.
Keywords: elections, voting behavior, contextual effects, electoral supply, electoral systems, party systems, multilevel models, CSES
What Influences Local Voters' Electoral Choices?
J. Eric Oliver, Shang E. Ha, and Zachary Callen
in Local Elections and the Politics of Small-Scale Democracy
Political Science, American Politics
This chapter examines what individual voters know about local elections and what factors shape their voting choices. After reviewing how and why we might expect that local voting behavior may differ ... More
This chapter examines what individual voters know about local elections and what factors shape their voting choices. After reviewing how and why we might expect that local voting behavior may differ from presidential voting behavior, it examines a unique dataset of over 1400 voters in thirty different smaller communities that focuses on these questions in particular. In line with their "homevoter" identities, most local voters typically have high knowledge levels about candidates and express a great deal of interest in local affairs. But because of this, local voters tend to employ different criteria than national ones. They are far more likely to base their votes on specific issues or incumbent performance and less likely to utilize heuristics like partisanship or candidate charisma, although this varies somewhat with the size, scope, and bias of their community. Local voters are also more likely to embody the normative expectations of the informed and rational citizen of classical democratic theory.Less
J. Eric OliverShang E. HaZachary Callen
This chapter examines what individual voters know about local elections and what factors shape their voting choices. After reviewing how and why we might expect that local voting behavior may differ from presidential voting behavior, it examines a unique dataset of over 1400 voters in thirty different smaller communities that focuses on these questions in particular. In line with their "homevoter" identities, most local voters typically have high knowledge levels about candidates and express a great deal of interest in local affairs. But because of this, local voters tend to employ different criteria than national ones. They are far more likely to base their votes on specific issues or incumbent performance and less likely to utilize heuristics like partisanship or candidate charisma, although this varies somewhat with the size, scope, and bias of their community. Local voters are also more likely to embody the normative expectations of the informed and rational citizen of classical democratic theory.
Keywords: voter choice, local elections, homevoters, classical democratic theory, voting behavior
Margaret Thatcher's Nationalism
Anthony F. Heath, Roger M. Jowell, and John K. Curtice
in The Rise of New Labour: Party Policies and Voter Choices
Heath, Jowell, and Curtice analyse Margaret Thatcher's distinctive form of British nationalism that embraced a range of issues such as strong defence, vigorous pursuit of British interests in Europe, ... More
Heath, Jowell, and Curtice analyse Margaret Thatcher's distinctive form of British nationalism that embraced a range of issues such as strong defence, vigorous pursuit of British interests in Europe, the protection of British sovereignty, and the maintenance of the Union. They discuss how Thatcherite the electorate was on these issues. As on the economic front, Margaret Thatcher tended to be more extreme than the electorate, both on nuclear defence, where the electorate did not share her enthusiasm for the deployment of American nuclear Cruise missiles in Britain, and on the maintenance of the Union, where the electorate progressively moved away from her brand of British nationalism. On Europe, the Conservatives were closest to the electorate but the disunity of the party over the issue gave out confusing signals to the voters, and the Conservatives proved vulnerable to the Referendum Party created in 1995 with the aim to campaign on the preservation of British sovereignty. The results from the analysis are consistent with the 'top‐down' theory of voting behaviour, according to which parties may be able to influence how voters see issues and can themselves shape their supporter's attitudes.Less
Anthony F. HeathRoger M. JowellJohn K. Curtice
Heath, Jowell, and Curtice analyse Margaret Thatcher's distinctive form of British nationalism that embraced a range of issues such as strong defence, vigorous pursuit of British interests in Europe, the protection of British sovereignty, and the maintenance of the Union. They discuss how Thatcherite the electorate was on these issues. As on the economic front, Margaret Thatcher tended to be more extreme than the electorate, both on nuclear defence, where the electorate did not share her enthusiasm for the deployment of American nuclear Cruise missiles in Britain, and on the maintenance of the Union, where the electorate progressively moved away from her brand of British nationalism. On Europe, the Conservatives were closest to the electorate but the disunity of the party over the issue gave out confusing signals to the voters, and the Conservatives proved vulnerable to the Referendum Party created in 1995 with the aim to campaign on the preservation of British sovereignty. The results from the analysis are consistent with the 'top‐down' theory of voting behaviour, according to which parties may be able to influence how voters see issues and can themselves shape their supporter's attitudes.
Keywords: British sovereignty, Conservatives, defence, Europe, nationalism, Margaret Thatcher, the top‐down theory of voting behaviour, the Referendum Party, the Union
Left–Right Orientations, Context, and Voting Choices *
Russell J. Dalton
Democracy presumes that elections give citizens an opportunity to evaluate the policies of the incumbent government and make judgments about the desired course of government in the future. This ... More
Democracy presumes that elections give citizens an opportunity to evaluate the policies of the incumbent government and make judgments about the desired course of government in the future. This chapter examines how the public's political orientations, based on the Left–Right scale, influence their voting choices. We then consider how the institutional context affects the voters' ability to make such policy linkages, and how institutional contexts shape the microlevel processes of policy voting. The results demonstrate how the institutional structure of electoral systems and the nature of party choices available to the voter can facilitate policy-based voting, and thereby strengthen the process of democratic representation through elections.Less
Democracy presumes that elections give citizens an opportunity to evaluate the policies of the incumbent government and make judgments about the desired course of government in the future. This chapter examines how the public's political orientations, based on the Left–Right scale, influence their voting choices. We then consider how the institutional context affects the voters' ability to make such policy linkages, and how institutional contexts shape the microlevel processes of policy voting. The results demonstrate how the institutional structure of electoral systems and the nature of party choices available to the voter can facilitate policy-based voting, and thereby strengthen the process of democratic representation through elections.
Keywords: Left–Right attitudes, voting behavior, party system, polarization, electoral supply, party images, CSES


text:
Q: How to fix the "Unchecked cast" from Generics for different interface Unchecked cast: 'zzz.szi.m.Something1' to 'T'
I get warnings when I run "mvn package"
private <T> T get() throws Exception {
    T m;

    if (/*some condition*/) {
        m = (T)new Something1()
    }
    elseif (/*some condition*/) {
        m = (T)new Something2()
    }
    else {
        m = (T)new Something3()
    }
    return m;
}

my class:
public class Something1 implements Something {
    // ...
}
public class Something2 implements SomethingElse {
    // ...
}
public class Something3 implements Something, SomethingElse, SomethingMore {
    // ...
}

// added casting to (T) but same result
I want no warnings

A: When you make your method generic, that means that the caller has control over the type parameter.  The caller can always supply anything that meets any bounds, and you have no bounds.  The caller could supply Integer, Object, or Foo, and this method needs to return an instance of that type.
However, that has nothing to do with the conditions in the logic of your method, according to the compiler.  It can't guarantee that what you are returning matches up at all with the type parameter, which is what the compiler is trying to say.
Your method can't be generic here.  If all of your SomethingX classes inherit from a base class or interface, then have your method return that type, or else it must be Object.  If you need to call one specific method that all your SomethingX classes have, extract a new interface and have your method return that type.
If you don't have any common interface, but you must call specific methods on the returned object, then take your conditional logic outside this method into the calling code, or make the method call on the object before returning it.
private Object get() throws Exception {
    Object m;

    if (/*some condition*/) {
        Something1 s1 = new Something1();
        s1.s1Method();
        m = s1;
    }
    else if (/*some condition*/) {
        Something2 s2 = new Something2();
        s2.s2Method();
        m = s2;
    }
    else {
        Something3 s3 = new Something3();
        s3.s3Method();
        m = s3;
    }
    return m;
}

A: The T is resolve by the compiler looking at the context of the invocation for that method. If the result of the call is to be assigned to a variable typed XXX then T would be replaced by XXX during compilation to check the logic of the rest of the code.
The question code breaks this contract as the method code seems to be in control of the type returned and so it would normally be incapable of make the right choice in terms of the class to instantiate. That is why this cast is unsafe.
A way to fix this is to return the control to the calling code. For example the get() method could accept a class object that indicates the type to be returned and use Class.newInstance to create the object with the incovenience of having to handle the corresponding checked exception and the posibility that the requested class does not have a parameter less constructor:
private <T> T get(Class<? extends T> class) {
    try {
      return class.newInstance();
    } catch (Exception ex) {
      // handle the exception apropiately
    }
}

The calling code:
Something some;
if (/* condition 1 */) {
   some = get(Something1.class);
} else if (/* condition 2 */) {
   some = get(Something2.class);
}  ...

The question remains whether you have subclass agnostic common code to add to the body of get before or after the object instantiation to make this method worthwhile otherwise you would be better off simply calling the appropriate subclass constructor within each if-else (i.e. new Something1(), new Something2() etc).

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
using System;

class Garden
{
    static void Main()
    {
        decimal tomatoSeeds = int.Parse(Console.ReadLine());
        int tomatoArea = int.Parse(Console.ReadLine());
        decimal cucumberSeeds = int.Parse(Console.ReadLine());
        int cucumberArea = int.Parse(Console.ReadLine());
        decimal potatoSeeds = int.Parse(Console.ReadLine());
        int potatoArea = int.Parse(Console.ReadLine());
        decimal carrotSeeds = int.Parse(Console.ReadLine());
        int carrotArea = int.Parse(Console.ReadLine());
        decimal cabaggeSeeds = int.Parse(Console.ReadLine());
        int cabaggeArea = int.Parse(Console.ReadLine());
        decimal beansSeeds = int.Parse(Console.ReadLine());
        int beansArea = 0;
        int totalArea = 250;
        decimal totalCost = 0;
        if (tomatoSeeds >= 0)
        {
            if (totalArea >= 0)
            {
                totalArea -= tomatoArea;
            }
            totalCost += tomatoSeeds * 0.5m;

        }
        if (cucumberSeeds >= 0)
        {
            if (totalArea >= 0)
            {
                totalArea -= cucumberArea;
            }
            totalCost += cucumberSeeds * 0.4m;

        }
        if (potatoSeeds >= 0)
        {
            if (totalArea >= 0)
            {
                totalArea -= potatoArea;
            }
            totalCost += potatoSeeds * 0.25m;

        }
        if (carrotSeeds >= 0)
        {
            if (totalArea >= 0)
            {
                totalArea -= carrotArea;
            }
            totalCost += carrotSeeds * 0.6m;

        }
        if (cabaggeSeeds >= 0)
        {
            if (totalArea >= 0)
            {
                totalArea -= cabaggeArea;
            }
            totalCost += cabaggeSeeds * 0.3m;

        }
        if (beansSeeds >= 0)
        {
            totalCost += beansSeeds * 0.4m;
            if (totalArea>0)
            {
                beansArea = totalArea;

            }
        }
        Console.WriteLine("Total costs: {0}", totalCost);
        if (beansArea>0)
        {
            Console.WriteLine("Beans area: {0}", beansArea);
        }
        else if (totalArea == 0)
        {
            Console.WriteLine("No area for beans");
        }
        if (totalArea<0)
        {
            Console.WriteLine("Insufficient area");
        }

    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Topaz Goldsmiths and Gallery
Birthstone Feature: At 19,747 Carats, This Gem Is the Smithsonian's Largest Faceted Citrine
As one of the two official birthstones for the month of November, citrine is the sun-kissed member of the quartz family of gemstones, with colors ranging from the warm hues of golden champagne to the deep orange-browns of Madeira wine. The stone perfectly embodies the color palette of the fall season.
The gem you see below is a smoky citrine from the Smithsonian's National Gem Collection. Sourced in Bahia, Brazil, the modified marquise-shaped gem weighs 19,747 carats, which is equivalent to 139 ounces or 8.69 pounds. It was faceted in 1987 by Michael Gray and acquired for the Collection in 2013.
The enormous gem is the largest faceted citrine displayed in the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems and Minerals at the National Museum of Natural History. Its the most-visited natural history museum in the world and the National Gem Collection consists of approximately 350,000 mineral specimens and 10,000 gems.
Quartz, which is composed of silicon and oxygen, is colorless in its pure state. The Greeks referred to the material as "krystallos," or "ice." But when trace amounts of impurities invade its chemical structure, nature yields a wide range of brilliant hues. Citrine is colored by impurities of iron and is a near-cousin to other popular quartz-family members, including amethyst, rose quartz and tiger's eye.
The name "citrine" is derived from the French word "citron," meaning "lemon." Most citrine comes from Brazil, but other important sources include Spain, Bolivia, France, Russia, Madagascar and the U.S. (Colorado, North Carolina and California).
As the American Gem Society reports, citrine's durability makes it a lovely option for large, wearable jewelry. With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, citrine is very resistant to scratches and everyday wear-and-tear.
Citrine wasn't always an official birthstone for November. The National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America) added it in 1952 as an alternative to topaz.
Credits: Rough citrine crystals from Brazil by Paweł Maliszczak [hardleo.com] [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons. Faceted gem image by Ken Larsen/Smithsonian.
When it comes to Hawaiian jewelry, why do clerks in the jewelry department at Costco and so many other Maui jewelry stores often recommend Topaz Goldsmith and Gallery to their customers? The reasons are simple. Topaz is a family owned and operated gallery that offers excellent goldsmithing skills along with first class customer service. (The truth is that many of the employees at other stores are also our customers).
Come in and visit our unique jewelry store located in Dolphin Plaza in south Maui. You will quickly feel like you are among friends. The family atmosphere has fostered a warm staff that is a delight to do business with. Few other Maui jewelry stores or galleries in Hawaii can match our unparalleled craftsmanship and first-class service.
What better way is there to say "I love you"... Than with romantic Hawaiian jewelry from:
Maui Topaz Goldsmith & Gallery.
In Dolphin Plaza
2395 S. Kihei Rd, #117
Kihei, Maui, Hawaii 96753
Local Maui Number:1-808-879-5877
USA Toll Free Number: 1-877-879-5877
MauiTopaz.com
Social Networking >

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Cream City Review
Carter Smith
Department of English, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Volume 39, Number 2, Fall/Winter 2015
10.1353/ccr.2015.0095
Carter Smith (bio)
This is how he told it. He said cultivatea value proposition. He said,about money, either give it what it wantsor give it what it needs. He said structureswant to survive. He said gifteconomy, but how he saidwill you survive? He mayhave been a teacher. I assumehe hated Marx. Everything he saiddescribed a system of relation. At which timeI thought about a tableand a room with a window and my loveof the sight of the field.I was sitting in a sandwich shop.He was talking to two young men,who were listening. No one saidyou will want something to save you. No onesaid of all the work it will not be enough. [End Page 13]
Carter Smith's poems have appeared in Pequod, Pleiades, Borderlands, and The Packingtown Review. A book, ROUNDS, is forthcoming from Further Other Book Works. He lives in North Carolina.
Copyright © 2015 University of Wisconsin Board of Regents


TV shows have been produced the same way for decades. But in its quest to revolutionize how people watch TV, Netflix is revolutionizing how TV shows are made.
Take the popular show "Dear White People," which debuted last year. After creator Justin Simien made his pitch about the show—based on the movie of the same name—Netflix executives ordered 10 episodes. A typical TV network would have asked Mr. Simien to first write and film a test episode, a process that usually can take as long as nine months. Instead, Mr. Simien and a team of writers were at work within a few weeks, according to multiple producers and writers who worked on the show.


We have built up extensive experience , expertise and capabilities allowing us to offer solutions to deliver building works in a number of sectors.
Our Building Division can assist in providing a high quality project management service with our clients requirements to the forefront. Our client driven policy allows us to establish their needs and respond quickly and efficiently.
Previous projects have seen successful delivery in the Industrial, Commercials, Retail, Education and Residential sectors ranging in value up to £10m.
Our policy of offering the complete 'Turnkey' solutions has seen us work in conjunction with our Power Solutions division to deliver a number of projects in the Renewable and Energy Sector from small 11kv sub-stations for turbines to 400kv Sub-stations for connection to the grid.
We understand the ethos and principles behind sustainable construction and apply this across all our projects.


So we've always baked with Lil Dancer. She's (& we've) always had a sweet tooth.
Since she was little her breakfast request would always be pancakes so over time we started making pancakes together. From there she's witnessed us make countless cakes, cupcakes, breads and other tasty treats as a way to relax and unwind. As she grew she helped out.
Now she's big enough and independent enough to do the lion's share.
So we're putting together a Bakefolio just for her. Photos, pictures + recipes of the things we've made together and inspiration for future bakes. Maybe one day when she's a baker she'll look through her bakefolio for ideas, who knows maybe even some will become her signature bakes!


These are the top 10 left handed products based on orders on the Anything Left-Handed website over the past year.
Fully left-handed scissors with moulded black plastic grip and reversed blades. They are 8.5 inch (215mm) overall length with sharp stainless steel blades.
Stabilo 's Move Easy rollerball pen, left-handed (code 531) The funky pen that looks the part, writes like a dream and is great fun to use. Unusually, the pen has been made with a special left handed version with the grip moulded for a comfortable fit in the left hand. Top marks to Stabilo for looking after the left-handers for a change! With its exchangeable rollerball tip cartridges, the Stabilo 'S Move Easy glides perfectly over the paper and it can be erased with a fountain pen eraser just like normal fountain pen ink. The cap twists on and off to lock securely and can be snapped on to the end of the pen when you are writing so it will not get lost. Supplied with 3 blue ink cartridges.
First scissor 125mm / 5 in., age 4 – 7 (code 134) These sturdy, lightweight scissors with brightly coloured plastic moulded grips and stainless steel blades are an ideal junior scissor. These safety scissors have rounded ends, but proper sharpened blades for cutting paper and thin material, so adult supervision is needed.
Maped Visio left handed ball pen (code 730) This pen features a hooked neck and off-centre tip which allows left handers to see what they are writing clearly and as the fingers are further away from the tip there is less chance of smudging. The pen has a soft-touch triangular grip area with the finger and thumb indentations positioned to encourage a correct left handed writing grip.
Ruler 30cm, clear perspex (code 702) Soft plastic flexible ruler scaled in Centimetres / Millimetres only. 30cm length. All our left-handed rulers are scaled from right to left making it easy to draw lines of the correct length with the left hand, without obscuring the scale while you do it.
HandiWriter writing aid (code 604) This simple device is made up of a large loop made of soft elastic (like a hair scrunchy) that goes over the wrist, a small loop that goes around the pencil or pen and a cord with a charm on the end that is held in the palm of the hand. These work together to encourage a perfect grip and writing style without even trying!
Sattler moulded pencil grip, pack of 3 (code 227F) The Sattler Grip is an innovative design which gently guides the fingers into the ergonomically correct writing position. Fits on Pencils, Markers, Pens, Crafting Knives, Brushes etc. Can be used left or right handed and is marked with the correct positions for each hand.
Tin opener with geared rotary action (code 94) A good quality left-handed tin opener with roller cutter and geared action for easy opening. Positioned on the left side of the tin and turned with the left-hand in a natural motion for left-handers.
Your Left-Handed Child Download Ebook – Essential reading for any parent or teacher of a left-handed child, this book is a practical and comprehensive guide to the challenges your left-handed child may encounter from their first years right through school life and beyond. From basic skills like dressing and handwriting, to learning new sports and musical instruments, this beautifully illustrated book explains common problems caused by right handed bias in equipment and layout and offers ways to help your child harness their natural creativity and problem-solving skills to become adaptable and confident in a right-handed world.
I wish these products when I was a kid. I'm 63 years old and not once was I offered any help from anyone to deal with left handed problems. Bless this company!
Although left-handed there have been many write-handed ways I have adapted. I have always written with my hand below where I am writing, ergo, no sniffing. Also, using a mouse right-handed just feels right. Unintended pun. However, I would never say that I am ambidextrous. Note, that dexter, or dexterous, is Latin for right.
Camping gear "SPORK" (made by Light My Fire, Sweden) is now available in a left-handed version !!! !!! !!!


text:
Ntozake Shange's 'for colored girls' Returns To Broadway For Limited Engagement
Quantasia Sharpton was reportedly strapped for cash just one week before holding a press conference accusing the R&B star of infecting her with herpes. All signs point to a Facebook status…
By VIBE
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Eve, Brandy, Naturi Naughton & Nadine Velazquez Are The Queens of ABC's 'Queens'
Nicki Minaj's Husband Kenneth Petty's Rape Accuser Breaks Silence In First TV Interview
Quantasia Sharpton was reportedly strapped for cash just one week before holding a press conference accusing the R&B star of infecting her with herpes.
All signs point to a Facebook status the 21-year-old woman (who goes by "Angel Valentino" on the social media site) wrote about "needing money."
She posted this last Monday (Jul. 31). She also wrote a status early Monday morning (Aug. 7), hours before her press conference, that she will be "Enjoying [her] last couple of hours as a regular girl."
Facebook/ TMZ
According to TMZ, Sharpton uses an alias on social media because she says her name is "clearly ghetto and hard to pronounce."
During her press conference, she claimed that Usher invited her over after one of his concerts, and had sex with her without disclosing the fact that he had an STD. This was "just after" her 19th birthday.
Lawsuit Alleges Usher Paid Unidentified Woman $1 Million Over STD Exposure
"I feel like my rights were violated," she said during the conference. She is speaking out and joining the lawsuit in the hopes that Usher "does not do this to anyone else."


Background: The genetic component of Cannabis Use Disorder may overlap with influences acting more generally on early stages of cannabis use. This paper aims to determine the extent to which genetic influences on the development of cannabis abuse/dependence are correlated with those acting on the opportunity to use cannabis and frequency of use. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 3303 Australian twins, measuring age of onset of cannabis use opportunity, lifetime frequency of cannabis use, and lifetime DSM-IV cannabis abuse/dependence. A trivariate Cholesky decomposition estimated additive genetic (A), shared environment (C) and unique environment (E) contributions to the opportunity to use cannabis, the frequency of cannabis use, cannabis abuse/dependence, and the extent of overlap between genetic and environmental factors associated with each phenotype. Results: Variance components estimates were A = 0.64 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58–0.70] and E = 0.36 (95% CI 0.29–0.42) for age of opportunity to use cannabis, A = 0.74 (95% CI 0.66–0.80) and E = 0.26 (95% CI 0.20–0.34) for cannabis use frequency, and A = 0.78 (95% CI 0.65–0.88) and E = 0.22 (95% CI 0.12–0.35) for cannabis abuse/dependence. Opportunity shares 45% of genetic influences with the frequency of use, and only 17% of additive genetic influences are unique to abuse/dependence from those acting on opportunity and frequency. Conclusions: There are significant genetic contributions to lifetime cannabis abuse/dependence, but a large proportion of this overlaps with influences acting on opportunity and frequency of use. Individuals without drug use opportunity are uninformative, and studies of drug use disorders must incorporate individual exposure to accurately identify aetiology.