A longitudinal analysis of the Harris County supporters of Governor George C. Wallace

The purpose of this study was to determine whether (a) demographic characteristics, (b) political background characteristics, and/or (c) policy preferences could explain variations in political support for Wallace between 1968 and 1975. The primary data source for this study was a sample of former Wallace supporters in Harris County, Texas who were initially interviewed in 1968 and again in 1975. Additional data were obtained from the national surveys of the American electorate conducted by the Center for Political Studies at the University of Michigan. The data generally indicated that the decline in support for Wallace between 1968 and 1975 could be attributed to the loss of college educated voters and those employed in more prestigious occupations. Respondents characterized by low feelings of relative deprivation were also more likely to prefer other candidates in 1975. Such demographic characteristics as age and sex had little explanatory value. Independents were most likely to continue supporting Wallace, followed by Democrats and Republicans. Socialization patterns had little explanatory value, but evidence of past political activity was found to be negatively associated with continuing support for Wallace. Respondents preferring less governmental enforcement of integration were more likely to continue supporting Wallace as were proponents of a strong, militaristic foreign policy stance, higher taxes for the wealthy, social welfare programs, and those expressing greater cynicism toward Watergate related events. While the political and demographic characteristics of voters do affect levels of support, it was concluded that the success of the Wallace phenomenon was ultimately dependent upon a combination of favorable political and social circumstances.