Multiple Donors and the Party as a Network

Abstract

We define an activist as someone who gave to more than one candidate within the nomination process. Drawing from Social Network Analysis (SNA) literature, we know these brokers to be important connectors between different groups. By examining their behavior we hope to better understand the cohesive elements within a party. By allowing individuals to choose more than one option, we create a measure that removes the divisive "only one choice allowed" attribute of endorsements and polls. We argue for the importance of examining donors during the preprimary period of contested presidential nominations as a key barometer of party cohesion.