For the Washington Post's article on this, click here . Few see a major problem with political contributions influencing government policy. Consultants have a mixed view at best of their own clients. These are among the main findings of a survey of 200 professional political consultants, conducted by the Pew Research Center in association with the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies . The survey of professional pollsters, fundraisers, media consultants, and general political consultants was conducted from November 1997 to March 1998.
Most consultants are unconcerned about personal attacks or other forms of negative campaigning.
More importantly, according to consultants, negative campaigning works. While two-thirds of consultants say voters are poorly informed about major policy issues, they are divided over how easy it is to persuade voters to support weak candidates. But consultants have more confidence in the public than do appointed government leaders in Washington. Although consultants say campaigns greatly influence the outcome of elections , few consultants believe their profession has much of an effect on the democratic process more broadly. Consultants, Public Differ on Negative Campaigns Just as they downplay their influence on the political system, consultants assume relatively little responsibility for widespread public cynicism.