We find that incumbents are electorally punished when they implement as well as when they withdraw unpopular proposals. Voters seem to care about the disclosed policy intention, even if it is not implemented. Effect sizes are substantial and last for years.

Our findings reveal a dilemma for incumbents: Once an unpopular idea is suggested, withdrawing it again is unlikely to remedy negative electoral consequences. This contributes to a deeper understanding of retrospective voting and electoral accountability.