The Murray Center has acquired all computer-accessible data for the three samples. In addition to non-response, some women officeholders at the local level did not receive the questionnaires because their names were received late, election lists were inaccurate, or mailing addresses incorrect. Fifteen percent of the mailed questionnaires were returned, resulting in a sample of 363 male officials. No analysis of response bias was made. Twenty-nine percent of the questionnaires were completed and returned, yielding a sample of 190 women former officeholders.
Family income is usually above average.
In general, the higher the level of office, the more elite the characteristics of the officeholders. Education, occupational prestige and family income all rise with the level of office. The mailed questionnaire consisted of two sections - a first section requesting basic biographical information for use in a directory listing and a second section requesting data for statistical analysis. Subjects were asked to rate themselves on qualities such as political know-how or efficiency in relation to other public officeholders. Political plans and goals were assessed.