The determinants of different components of campaign spending in municipal elections in Chile, 2008-2012

Abstract

As there is information on the type of campaign spending in Chile, we can study not just who spends more but also what candidates spend on and what determines campaign expenditures. We explain what accounts for different types of spending. With information on 54,276 different campaign spending items reported by 2,390 mayoral candidates in 345 municipalities in 2008 and 2012 and using party membership, incumbency condition, gender of candidates and socio-demographic data at the municipal level, we differences on different types of expenditure. Contrary to what the literature suggests, incumbents spend
more than challengers on advertising. Though they spend more on advertisement than Concertación candidates, rightwing candidates—especially those from the UDI—commit a lower share of their spending to advertisement. On average, women spend less than men and also spend less on advertisement. Candidates in poorer and rural municipalities spend less in advertisement and more on transportation and services. In municipalities with higher education, candidates spend more on services.