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Congressional Elections: Campaigning at Home and in Washington
Congressional Elections Campaigning at Home and in Washington Author:Paul S. Herrnson For the most up-to-date examination of House and Senate campaigns currently available, turn to the only book to provide full coverage of the congressional races waged in 2002. Praised for successfully combining solid empirical research with real-world politics, Congressional Elections provides a thorough and balanced assessment of th... more »e campaign process. The author argues that successful candidates actually run two campaigns--one for votes, the other for resources. This dual strategy affects not only who wins individual races, but representation in Congress more broadly, and ultimately the entire system of U.S. elections. Using campaign data, original survey research, and interviews with more than 400 House and Senate candidates and other political insiders, Herrnson systematically analyzes the campaign activities and strategies of candidates, parties, and PACs to show students how these crucial avenues of political influence converge. Case studies of individual campaigns are woven throughout to paint vivid portraits of real people raising money, giving speeches, serving constituents, and tackling important policy issues. New coverage and analysis includes:
the 2002 campaign and election results, including Republican House gains and capture of the Senate, as well as Bush's success in rallying support for GOP candidates
the effects of national security concerns on candidates' issue positioning
a close look at the independent, parallel, and coordinated campaigns waged by parties and interest groups, as well as their use of soft money, advocacy ads, and grassroots activities
the public policy implications of the 2002 elections, in areas such as fiscal and tax policy, congressional procedures and oversight, health care, and business regulation
the impact of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, and suggestions for further reform