Political Ambition, Candidate Recruitment and Legislative Politics in Brazil

Abstract

The article discusses how legislative recruitment in Brazil contrasts with that of other countries in Latin America. Candidate recruitment patterns and the different types of candidates produce some impact on larger political processes within and across the countries. Using Siavelis & Morgesntern variables, the article describes the nature of legislative recruitment in Brazil as well as relates the nature of recruitment patterns to a contentious debate about the nature of Brazilian political parties and thus about the general contours of Brazilian politics. The article argues that the institutions and processes that Siavelis & Morgenstern point to as relevant independent variables point away from party loyalist candidates and toward entrepreneurial candidates.