Contemporary Cross-Racial Mobilization: CRM in the 2010–2012 U.S. SenateElections

Chapter 4 examines cross-racial mobilization in contemporary U.S. politics. Employing a similar design as that employed in chapter 3, chapter 4 presents data gathered from all 2010–2012 general election U.S. Senate candidate websites. By focusing on both policy and valence cross-racial mobilization, the chapter then analyzes why some candidates conduct more (or less) cross-racial mobilization. The chapter finds strong support for the cross-racial mobilization framework, particularly among Democratic candidates: (1) Democratic candidates who had previously engaged in cross-racial mobilization (incumbents) are more likely to conduct cross-ethnic appeals; (2) when the Latino population is larger Anglo Democratic candidates are more likely to conduct cross-racial mobilization; (3) more cross-racial mobilization is observed when the election is considered competitive; and (4) Democratic candidates are less likely to make cross-racial appeals in states where whites are most hostile. Finally, Democratic candidates perform better when they conduct extensive cross-racial mobilization, whereas the converse is the case for GOP candidates.