Campaigns from the Ground Up: State House Elections in a National Context

Based on data from the most recent elections, this book examines state house races in four key states California, Texas, Michigan, and Virginia and creates simulations of campaign planning, strategizing, budgeting, fundraising, and winning in a variety of political contexts. The authors have not only researched and taught about these issues they have conducted campaigns, run for office, and served in government at every level from the local to the national. They have experience confronting questions of campaign ethics and crisis management, and they actively embrace social media in their work. Internet fundraising as well as campaign websites are among the many media subjects included. This is a book not just for candidates, campaign professionals, and students, but for all concerned citizens who want to understand the pathways of politics better.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: State House Campaigns in a National Perspective: An Overview Chapter 2: The Campaign Plan: Organizing Your Campaign Chapter 3: The Campaign Simulation Exercises Chapter 4: Texas' 144th House of Representatives District Chapter 5: Michigan House District 91 Chapter 6: Virginia House of Delegates District 94 Chapter 7: California 60th Assembly District Chapter 8: Conclusion: Campaigns in a National Context

About the Author :
John S. Klemanski is Professor of Political Science at Oakland University. David A. Dulio is Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science at Oakland University. Michael Switalski is currently Treasurer of the City of Roseville, Michigan, and a former Michigan state representative and state senator.

Review :
"These simulations give students a hands-on understanding of the details of modern political campaigns. They provide exciting new material for elections courses." -- Candice J. Nelson, Director, Campaign Management Institute, American University "Campaigns are about big ideas and hard work, including intellectual work. Klemanski, Dulio, and Switalski help readers build strategic acumen with simulations drawn from real-world politics. Students who challenge themselves with the exercises in Campaigns from the Ground Up -- planning expenditures, shooting videos, anticipating crises -- will learn both the art and science of American electioneering." -- Michael John Burton, Ohio University "The principles and techniques contained in this book are instrumental in creating an understanding of the campaign process. They, along with Oakland University's Political Campaigns course, paved the way for the success of my professional career. The knowledge contained in this course material is the foundation for building a political consulting career. This book is a must for any aspiring campaigner." -- Joshua D. Cline, Senior Partner and Director of Consulting, Bellwether Strategies “These simulations give students a hands-on understanding of the details of modern political campaigns. They provide exciting new material for elections courses.” —Candice J. Nelson, Director, Campaign Management Institute, American University “Campaigns are about big ideas and hard work, including intellectual work. Klemanski, Dulio, and Switalski help readers build strategic acumen with simulations drawn from real-world politics. Students who challenge themselves with the exercises in Campaigns from the Ground Up—planning expenditures, shooting videos, anticipating crises—will learn both the art and science of American electioneering.” —Michael John Burton, Ohio University “The principles and techniques contained in this book are instrumental in creating an understanding of the campaign process. They, along with Oakland University’s Political Campaigns course, paved the way for the success of my professional career. The knowledge contained in this course material is the foundation for building a political consulting career. This book is a must for any aspiring campaigner.” —Joshua D. Cline, Senior Partner and Director of Consulting, Bellwether Strategies