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Wednesday, December 3, 2008 12:00 AM

Nepotistic succession in the political class

A large, and rapidly growing, percentage of high elected officials are part of politically powerful families. What accounts for this anti-democratic dynamic?
Glenn Greenwald

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  • Wednesday, December 3, 2008 07:08 AM

    hard numbers?

    It would be interesting to see the percentage of nepotism in the Senate over the years. You said that 18 current Senators are related to former politicians. How many Senators were like that 100 years ago?

    Hard numbers should always be more compelling evidence than a set of anecdotes. Although I must also say that the practice is troubling regardless of it's difference in how often it happens from the past.

    —Laid Back Radical Read Laid Back Radical's other letters

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