Campaigns are a critical part of the political process in the United States, but until now, reference sources on campaigns have only covered selected parts of the process or have been written for political insiders. The Guide to Political Campaigns in America is the first resource to examine and explain every aspect of campaigns in a manner that satisfies the needs of many different audiences. This unique and comprehensive volume explores history, issues, processes and people, and types of campaigns. Editor Paul Herrnson, a well-respected government and politics scholar who has worked on many campaigns himself, brings to the work a dynamic combination of high-level scholarship and hands-on experience that sets this guide apart from all other campaign resources.

Readers will find information on every aspect of political campaigning in America, including:

The evolution of political campaigns;

The political and regulatory environment of campaigning, including suffrage and ballot access;

The importance of the voters and what influences the vote;

The key players in the campaign organization, including the candidate and various managers;

Other players who interact with the campaign, including the media and political parties;

Key strategies and tactics, such as polling and campaign financing;

Specific types of campaigns, including the well known, such as the presidency, House, Senate, governorship, and key state and local races; as well campaigns for the judiciary and for initiatives and referenda;

Campaign and election reform.

The expansive coverage and distinctive approach of this resource will appeal to a wide variety of library patrons, including students, professors, teachers of AP high school courses, and professionals in the media and campaigning fields.