Abstract
This research combines National Election Study (NES) data with data on congressional candidate quality and spending to assess explanations for ticket splitting. The results indicate characteristics of both voters and candidates are important, but candidate-level variables as a whole provide a better account of ticket splitting than individual-level variables. NES data are also used to evaluate the reasons why candidate quality and spending are so important. Candidates encourage ticket splitting through various campaign activities, especially those that are unmediated. Additionally, incumbents benefit from constituency service and pork barrel legislation, which foster ticket splitting among voters in their districts.