Battle for the Big Sky: Representation and the Politics of Place in the Race for the US Senate

Battle for the Big Sky delves into one of the few competitive races of the 2012 election: the US Senate campaign in Montana. Author David C.W. Parker was granted exceptional access by both candidates over the 21 months preceding the election, allowing him to tell the story of the race in rare and fascinating detail, while also exploring the impact of Citizens United and so-called "dark money" on the campaign. The Montana setting offers readers a view into the rising political influence of the West, the importance of "place" in politics, and the impact of congressional styles and constituent relationships on campaigns and elections. Parker skillfully weaves political analysis into his narrative and places the race in the broader context of congressional elections and the research literature.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: What Happened in Montana Won’t Stay in Montana Do Campaigns Matter? Montana Votes ‘Yes’ The Rise of the West Building Constituent Connections A Ringside Seat Chapter 2: Montana: The Last, Best Place? Place-Based Connections “One of Us” Montana: The Place Montana and the Feds: A Love-Hate Relationship Montana: The People Conclusion Chapter 3: Jon Tester’s Creating a Buzz Prepolitical Careers and Representational Style The Dirt Farmer from Big Sandy Jon Tester Goes to Helena Going Belly to Belly with Senator Burns Conclusion Chapter 4: Denny Rehberg: A Man in a Hurry The Billings Rancher Forget Me Not: Denny the Insurgent Denny and Max Montana’s Lone Congressman Two Early Political Careers, Two Different Paths Conclusion Chapter 5: Representational Style: How Congressman Rehberg and Senator Tester Govern Home Styles in the Big Sky Washington Work Explaining Washington Work to Constituents Home Styles and Town Halls Conclusion Chapter 6: Campaigning in a Citizens United World: The Early Days of the Race Priming and Framing Farmer Jon or Barack Tester; Rancher Denny or Irresponsible Dennis? Citizens United: More Money, Less Control The Pledge That Wasn’t Conclusion Chapter 7: What Voters Know, How They Decide, and When Campaigns Matter How Individuals Make Voting Decisions in Congressional Elections Montana: Independent Voters Facing a Rich Information Environment Representational Relationships: What Did Montanans Know and When Did They Know it? Talking Politics: The Bozeman Focus Groups Reinforcing an Information Advantage Conclusion Chapter 8: The Message Matters: The Politics of Personality and Issues Do Campaigns Matter? What Political Science Says Rehberg’s Decision Information Advantages and Voter Learning: How Personality Trumped Issues and Resources The Final Stretch Conclusion Chapter 9: The End Game How the Campaign Mattered The Democratic Brand It’s the Economy, Stupid? “Responsible” Decision Making: The Politics of Representational Style Dan Cox: Spoiler? The Democratic Ground Game A Final Look Conclusion Chapter 10: Lessons Learned Future Directions Conclusion

About the Author :
David C.W. Parker is an associate professor of political science at Montana State University. He is the author of The Power of Money in Congressional Campaigns, 1880-2006 (University of Oklahoma Press), as well as articles on the consequences of divided government and how members of Congress build reputations with their constituents. His article, "Making a Good Impression: Resource Allocations, Home Styles, and Washington Work," won the 2010 Alan Rosenthal Award from the American Political Science Association. His co-edited volume on archival research methodology was published last year. Prior to entering the academy, Dr. Parker worked as a field representative, communications director, and campaign manager for a presidential, mayoral, and two Senate campaigns. He also writes a blog for the Montana State University Department of Political Science entitled Big Sky Political Analysis.