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and Kendal Broad at the University of Florida. This book began as a paper for Dan Smith's Campaign Finance course—half a decade later it has become a book because of the teaching, encouragement, and suggestions of all of you. I would also like to thank my former colleagues at the Campaign Finance Institute—Michael J. Malbin, Brendan Glavin, Wesley Joe—all of you played an integral role in my formation as a scholar and a person. To Kara, thanks for keeping me sane! And finally to Shawn Davis and Jennifer Chmura for all the hard work and laughs—you two are irreplaceable as research assistants and as friends!
There are five persons, however, who must be thanked individually. The first is Larry Dodd. Words cannot express how thankful I am that Leslie suggested I go and talk to you eight years ago. Out of that conversation I gained a professor, an advisor, a mentor, and a friend. Every time I have a student come into my office to talk I find myself asking them how they are doing and getting to know them—I became a much better teacher and mentor because of you. And every time I stand up in front of a class and get excited because I’m talking about Congress, its puzzles, its evolution, its power-that too is because of you. Thank you for showing me my academic path. I only hope I can make you proud.
To my parents, words cannot express how much love I have for you. I’ll never forget pulling the all-nighter(s) in the loft during the summer of 2009 in order to get the revisions finished. I have always done my best work sitting in pajamas while you two buzzed around the house. You taught me to never give up, regardless of the barriers I faced, and there have been many. I would like to think that this book is a testament to those teachings. Dad, without our political debates, I doubt I would have found my calling. I promise to catch up on the news immediately! Mom, words cannot express the debts I owe you. Over a decade ago,