Candice J. Nelson Bücher

"Campaign politics has become increasingly professionalized in recent years. The growing prevalence and influence of paid consultants in the United States and other democracies is one of the most important factors changing the nature of electoral politics. Campaign Warriors thoroughly examines this critical—and controversial—development and its impact on the political system in the U.S. and other countries. The contributors approach the topic from several different perspectives, including the increasing use of ""spin doctors"" and the resulting loss of influence of state and national political parties. The book investigates the role of these paid who they are, what they do and why, and how they feel about their work. The contributors discuss the consultant's relationship with candidates and parties, and analyze the effect of their efforts on election outcome."

Leading political scientists and campaign professionals, many of whom played key roles in the 1992 and 1994 elections, collaborate to explore the intricacies of American campaigns and elections alongside academic research. Their perspectives sometimes align, as seen in Paul Herrnson's study on volunteerism that supports Will Robinson's grassroots experiences. However, discrepancies arise, exemplified by William Hamilton and Raymond Wolfinger's insights on campaign surveys. Sam Popkin, a notable academic and advisor to the Clinton campaign, encapsulates the book's essence. The essays provide a comprehensive education in practical campaign politics, detailing the evolution of election strategies leading to the 1992 phenomena, including town meetings and media innovations. Particularly pertinent to the 1994 midterms, the discussions cover campaign themes, communication strategies, the importance of mobilizing volunteers, and the value of early funding. The authors also explain how to gain media coverage without financial investment and effectively utilize focus groups and surveys. This volume presents a balanced mix of perspectives from both major political parties and various demographics, analyzing campaigns up to 1994 with an eye toward 1996. It serves as a valuable resource for students, citizens, candidates, and campaign managers, emphasizing the necessity of ethical election practices. Ideal for courses in American govern

Leading political scientists and experienced campaign professionals unite to explore the intricacies of American campaigns and elections alongside academic theories and research. This volume offers a comprehensive education in practical campaign politics, featuring new and revised essays. Contributors analyze the evolution of election campaigns, highlighting innovations such as town meetings, bus tours, talk radio, infomercials, and focus groups. The text delves into how campaign themes and strategies are developed and communicated, the importance of advanced tactics, and the necessity of mobilizing volunteers. It also discusses the value of early campaign funding, strategies for gaining media coverage at no cost, and the effective use of focus groups and survey research in winning elections. With a balanced perspective from both Democratic and Republican viewpoints, as well as insights from male and female campaign professionals, this volume examines national and local campaigns during the 2000 and 2002 election cycles. It serves as a valuable resource for students, citizens, candidates, and campaign managers, emphasizing the ethical imperative of winning elections. Ideal for courses in American government, it is essential reading for political enthusiasts and serious students of the electoral process.