Special interest groups bipartisan in Congress, MSU scholar finds

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Contrary to common perception, special interest groups are not responsible for the partisan division in Congress – and often join bipartisan coalitions to support legislation, according to a Michigan State University political scientist.

The same groups that line up on two sides in elections come together afterward to advance the same bills, said Matt Grossmann, assistant professor of political science.

Grossmann cited the current debate over national health care as an example. “Pharmaceutical companies, unions and doctors have all come out in support of President Obama’s plan,” he said. “It is the public and legislators that are closely divided, not interest groups.”