This article looks at the way political careers are structured in Brazil, paying special attention to mass communications. To the extent that they have become a crucial source for the production of political capital, the mass media create "shortcuts" in a political career, enabling outsiders access to positions that, in a more closed race, would only be open to experienced members of the political field who are making their way up from wide experience in minor positions. In light of this discussion, we examine the trajectory of federal representatives elected in four legislatures, observing the strength - and the limitations - of the influence of mass media, paying closest attention to those who have been elected for the first time and without previous electoral and administrative experience. The article concludes that, generally speaking, exposure through mass communications is an important variable, although the candidates' original professional activity is also an important variable to consider.
political career; political capital; media; Brazilian National Congress
