This article analyzes different election strategies adopted by Members of the Brazilian House of Representatives seeking reelection in 1998. The analysis focuses on electoral gains provided by strategies based on local and national political dynamics. At first sight these two forces appear to lead Representatives in opposite directions, but this is not actually the case. Our available evidence leads us to believe that national performance by Members of the House is guided by the search for benefits that can be used at the local level and thus increase their odds for political survival and electoral success.
reelection; House of Representatives; local politics; legislative behavior; political career
