How might ‘traditionalist’ public choice theorists react to this argument? If we accept the basic logic of the argument about expressive voting, public choice theorists might nevertheless say that all that has been established is the incentive self-interested politicians have to provide a public interest ‘cover’ for their actions (see Tullock 1990). Expressive voting makes no real difference. Self-interested state actors will still pursue their self-interest but will simply do so in slightly more subtle ways. Parties may subsidize farming because farmers provide the largest campaign cheques but they will justify and explain their actions with reference to the need to preserve a rural way of life. Politicians may cut income tax in the run-up to an election in order to gain votes but they will need to justify and explain their actions by pointing to the need to stimulate consumer demand. Bureaucrats may want larger budgets in order to expand their empires but they will need to justify and explain their demands with reference to the need to maintain front-line services and meet government targets.