GOTHAMIST (NEW YORK CITY) -- Ranked-choice voting was also adopted in San Francisco, in 2004, with an increase in super PACs following suit, according to Jason McDaniel, an associate professor of Political Science at San Francisco State University. But McDaniel argues that while super PACs have increased following the implementation of RCV, the Citizens United ruling and the rise of more newcomer candidates challenging the status quo should not go ignored.
“Our politics is more intense now in a lot of different ways,” McDaniel said, pointing to progressive Democrats in New York dissatisfied with their legislative leaders, inspiring greater organizing behind progressive candidates. “I would say, specifically in New York because the progressive groups have been organizing voters and presenting and running candidates, and having success with candidates like [Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez] that this kind of organizing has got momentum, making the elections more competitive. And that’s why the money gets spent.”