JENNIFER L. ANDERSON
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
ADAM J. NEWMARK
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
A Dynamic Model of U.S. Senator Approval, 1981–2000

Using survey data in the states from 1981 to 2000, we explore the nature of public sentiment toward members of the U.S. Senate, compare aggregate senator approval to congressional approval, and examine the impact of several factors that may influence approval of both senators and their legislative institution. We hypothesize that presidential approval, partisanship, consumer expectations, inter-branch discord, national scandals, and rally-around-the-flag events will influence both senator and congressional approval. We find evidence that supports the conventional argument that constituents "love" their senators but "hate" Congress. Senators appear to be relatively insulated from factors that sway presidential and congressional approval.