RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Home Truths: Promises and Challenges in Linking Mortgages and Political Influence JF RSF: The Russell Sage Foundation Journal of the Social Sciences FD Russell Sage Foundation SP 69 OP 86 DO 10.7758/RSF.2016.2.7.05 VO 2 IS 7 A1 Igan, Deniz YR 2016 UL http://www.rsfjournal.org/content/2/7/69.abstract AB What can “big data” tell us about the dynamics shaping the regulation of and activities in housing and mortgage markets? This paper describes a detailed database of the lobbying activities, campaign contributions, political connections, and mortgage lending activities of the financial industry. A review of the findings of recent research that has utilized this data set suggests that the political influence of the financial industry may have a bearing on the regulation of mortgage markets and, in turn, on risk-taking by lenders. A key challenge is deciphering the motivations behind the politically targeted activities of the financial industry.