Legislators Say Action Needed Competition between Democrats and Republicans has become more intense in North Carolina, but party labels still don't matter as much as money when it comes to winning elections, a new study finds. An analysis of the 1998 election shows that the top spender in contested races for the General Assembly won more than 8 out of 10 times, regardless of party affiliation.
Voter turnout can still matter, however.
A strong Republican showing in 1994 helped the GOP gain a majority in the House, with 19 members winning despite being outspent. Either you have a great deal of money, or access to a great deal of money, or you can't run. The Money Advantage. The success rate for top spenders in contested races dipped to 77 percent in 1994 and 1996, but climbed back to 83 percent in 1998, which is almost where it was in 1992 before Republicans began investing heavily in General Assembly campaigns. Candidates don't always have to spend big to succeed, but if they can't compete financially, they are generally doomed.