• Because voting patterns are shaped by
the political culture of a district, unions in conservative districts sometimes find themselves supporting candidates who are less pro-union than they would like in order not to lose.
We rely on the traditional definition
of political culture as enduring
political attitudes and behaviors associated with groups that live in a defined geographical context.297 In addition, we have known for some time that
district size (and poverty) make a difference in how
districts cope with demands for reform.298