1. Long-run versus short-run timing of the beneficial and adverse effects of the politician's implemented policies. A long-run benefit that comes to light in a succeeding administration, for example, may work to the politician's political detriment rather than her political advantage.

  2. The ability to develop funding sources from lobbyists and from beneficiaries of subsidies, monopolies, and other policies. In particular, the ability to attract such funding requires that the politician should be supportive of those subsidies, monopolies, and other interventionist policies.

  3. The ability to appear strong under conditions of widespread public fear or perceived governmental "gridlock."

  4. The willingness and ability to suppress expression of opposing ideas, parties, or political rivals through legal, quasi-legal, or illegal means.      Next page
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