The economist Theresa Aguilar argues that local newspapers serve as indispensable monitors of municipal government. As evidence, Aguilar points to research showing that when local newspapers close, voter turnout in municipal elections drops, and city borrowing costs rise as bond markets lose confidence in the absence of independent oversight.
Which choice best describes the function of the second sentence in the text?
- A
It contradicts Aguilar's argument.
- Bcheck_circle
It supplies the empirical evidence on which Aguilar's argument depends.
- C
It defines the term 'municipal government'.
- D
It introduces a different economist with an opposing view.
Explanation
The findings about turnout and borrowing costs ground Aguilar's monitor claim. B captures this evidentiary function.