The Battle for Congress: Consultants, Candidates, and Voters

(Paperback)

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This volume provides an in-depth examination of six political campaigns waged during competitive 1998 races for the U.S. House of Representatives. The case studies evaluate the professional political consultants who managed each campaign, their interaction with the candidates, and the impact of the campaigns on voters. Relying on unparalleled access to both the consultants involved and the candidates themselves, the contributors explore the electoral setting and context of the congressional districts, the strategy, theme, and message of each campaign, the consultants' decisionmaking, fund-raising, and spending, and any outside forces that entered into the races. The book features new data on tracking, polls, and television advertising budgets.

Reviews

" The Battle For Congress is a 'must-read' for anyone wanting to learn more about the electoral process that determines America's future." The Bookwatch

"... this book's a must read.... [It] provides a rich and detailed description of the strategies, tactics, and mechanics of modern campaigns. Congressional scholars as well as campaign professionals can draw valuable insights and lessons from this book." Gary J. Andres, American University, Political Science Quarterly

Author Bio

James A. Thurber is director of the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies and professor of government at American University.