Which of the following explains why incumbents can still lose in spite of the incumbency advantage?

A. Incumbents have a long record of casework.
B. The importance and popularity of party labels changes.
C. Incumbents are too focused on the needs of constituents.
D. Incumbents are perceived to have youth and inexperience.
E. Reductions in the size of the House often force incumbents to run against each other.

Incumbents can lose despite the incumbency advantage due to shifts in party popularity, reductions in legislative seats causing competition between incumbents, or a perceived lack of fresh ideas or perspectives from the incumbent candidate.

Explanation:

The incumbency advantage refers to the higher probability of an incumbent (an existing office holder) to win re-election compared to new candidates. Even with this advantage, incumbents may still lose. One reason for this could be changes in the importance and popularity of party labels (option b).

If the political climate shifts and the incumbent’s party becomes less popular, this could harm their chances of re-election regardless of their personal performance. Reductions in the size of the House often force incumbents to run against each other is another valid point (option e). If there are fewer seats available, then incumbents might have to run against each other, in which case an incumbent will definitely lose. Lastly, the perception that incumbents lack youth and inexperience (option d) applies when voters are seeking fresh ideas or perspectives, which may favor a non-incumbent candidate.

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