The Blood, Sweat, and Tears of Political Victory...and Defeat

Annually 250,000 people (500,000 in presidential election years) seek elective office in the U.S. (not to mention thousands of others in England, Canada, and Australia). Most of these office-seekers are one-time-only candidates. After filing, they realize that winning constitutes more than simply buying some printing and going to a few political meetings. Most have no notion how to raise money, target special interest groups, fight off the political smear, or allocate their time. This book will appeal to neophytes as well as to the seasoned politician. It's a how-to-get-elected book with a difference. Rather than provide a bare-bones, step-by-step prescription for conducting a campaign, the book supplements the prescription with hundreds of ideas used by candidates (both successful and unsuccessful) for offices ranging from the local water commissioner to the presidency. Contents: Merchandising the Common Touch; The Money Ritual; Polling; Advertising; Anatomy of a Smear; News as a Political Tool; Political Strategy; Reporting; Regulation and Taxation of Campaign Funds; Making the Decision.