Maine: The Dynamics of Political Change

(Paperback)

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Christian Potholm has worked as a political insider and activist for much of the last forty years, dividing his time between the classroom and the election arena. By analyzing the interactive ebbs and flows of political campaigns, Potholm uses both quantitative and qualitative analysis to understand the process and make predictions regarding the outcome. He contends that political campaigns waged in the State of Maine display a strong dynamic quality independent of the instant polls and reports that our media sources use to predict outcomes. Through quantitative analysis, Potholm shows that Maine political campaigns are underpinned by a positive sense of well being unique to the country, a character that celebrates its freedom and essence in all facets of society. Potholm dissects his study using data as well as anecdotal references to share the political and psychological dimensions of Maine politics in all of their dynamism.

Reviews

Christian Potholm has produced a lively, witty, and informative look at the inside characteristics of Maine politics. While probing the salient issues at the core of Maine's political arena, he illuminates aspects of that crucible too often overlooked, or missed entirely, by the media and other political analysts. Both acerbic and sensitive, Potholm's analyses provide the reader with a deeper understanding of campaign conduct and the democratic process. In these matters, his voice is authoritative. -- Greg Gallant, director, Margaret Chase Smith Library

Author Bio

Christian P. Potholm is DeAlva Stanwood Alexander Professor of Government at Bowdoin College.