Favorite Son Effect
One of the reasons the Founders created the Electoral College was to
prevent a Favorite Son effect, in which citizens of a state would vote
for a candidate who is also from their state solely for that
reason. But in fact, the Electoral College has turned out to
promote the Favorite Son effect instead of suppress it. Note that
every single President, with the exception of James K. Polk in 1844,
has won his home state.*Note: The Federal Elections Commission currently, and incorrectly, explains the Favorite Son effect as being prevented by parties selecting their Presidential and Vice Presidential nominees from different states.
A Few States Wins
Constitutional Residence
State Size
Special Interests
Power of State Legislatures
Unlucky Luck
Ignoring Your Vote
More Options
Vague Values
Electoral Replacements
Electoral Tie
Electoral College Table of Contents