Incumbency \In*cum"ben*cy\, n.; pl. {Incumbencies}. [From {Incumbent}.] 1. The state of being incumbent; a lying or resting on something.
2. That which is physically incumbent; that which lies as a burden; a weight. --Evelyn.
3. That which is morally incumbent, or is imposed, as a rule, a duty, obligation, or responsibility. ``The incumbencies of a family.'' --Donne.
4. The state of holding a benefice; the full possession and exercise of any office.
These fines are only to be paid to the bishop during his incumbency. --Swift.
Dr. Mahathir has been teaching his rivals a lesson in the power of incumbency.
Traditional liberalism's constituency remains wide enough to ensure congressional incumbency but too weak to win the presidency.
Common Cause is one of the major lobbying forces behind legislation designed to restrict or eliminate political action committee contributions and take other steps to cut the fund-raising advantages of incumbency.
"I think it shows the power of incumbency and Hunt's own personal appeal," said University of Alabama political analyst Patrick Cotter.
It was a year we felt could have gone either way." Conservatives counted on the power of the incumbency.
A collection of political have-nots is out to accomplish collectively what its members couldn't do individually: Defeat the powers of congressional incumbency.
House and Senate candidates from both parties ought to run on their party's platform, and not duck behind the perks of incumbency.
However narrow Jimmy Carter's victory or tenuous Jerry Ford's incumbency, it is a clear warning for the GOP.
But even in a year when incumbents are suspect, the campaign shows that longtime incumbency does have big advantages.
NOTA would be far more effective than campaign-finance reform in reducing the overwhelming advantages of incumbency. In many races second-rate incumbents win by beating third-rate challengers.
The mayor also is taking advantage of his incumbency to remain in the public eye.
Mr. Wofford, 65 years old, a tweedy, little-known member of John Kennedy's brain trust, chose to run unburdened by the advantages of incumbency and to challenge Washington insiders.
Fear of losing the campaign advantage of incumbency motivated the Christian Democrats to block postponement, according to several participants speaking on condition of anonymity.
Some estimates suggest the 'incumbency' factor could be worth 1,000 votes, enough to deny Mr Kinnock a dozen or more seats he might otherwise win. London will provide the most important test.
While the Republicans enter this election year with more cash on hand, Democrats have the power of incumbency in the majority of House and Senate elections.
Tax increases and budget woes, not incumbency alone, are the common denominator for governors in trouble.