Abstract
Endorsements in 51 California newspapers and corresponding election returns for a 10-year period were studied. While overall impact on voters remained minimal, endorsement editorials appear to have produced the greatest effect on primary election measures and on the least controversial issues. Small and independently owned papers seemed to influence readers more than larger and group-owned papers. Editorials that opposed public-benefit measures appeared to carry more weight than those in support. Endorsements had the least effect on candidate races and non-economic, ideological issues.
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