Answer :
Final answer:
The greatest advantage incumbents have is access to campaign funding and resources, bolstered by name recognition and established donor relationships, leading to the high incumbency advantage rate of re-election. The correct option is (c).
Explanation:
The greatest advantage congressional incumbents have when seeking re-election is access to campaign funding and resources. This advantage comes from a combination of factors, such as name recognition, a track record of previous electoral victories, the ability to secure media coverage, and established relationships with donors and political action committees.
Incumbents frequently benefit from existing campaign organizations and franking privileges, allowing them to send mail to constituents. Moreover, they often possess greater financial resources, which challengers usually lack, making it challenging for new candidates to build competitive campaigns. The incumbency advantage is so significant that it results in incumbents winning reelection up to 90 percent of the time.