Lynne Rienner Cozy Politics: Political Parties, Campaign Finance and Compromised Governance

Cozy politics, Peter Kobrak contends, is shredding the already fragile fabric of political rapport between citizens and their government. Exploring the insidious system that encourages elected officials to cooperate with their supposed opponents - rather than with their own constituents - he reveals the enormous power that wealthy donors and interest-group supporters wield over politicians, congressional decisionmakers, and agency agendas. Kobrak explores the insidious system that encourages elected officials to cooperate with their supposed opponents rather than with their own constituents. Review This is a penetrating assessment of the money-crazed, low-turnout, pork-barrel system of politics in the United States - a political system spiraling out of control. - Darrell West, Brown University Synopsis Cozy politics, Peter Kobrak contends, is shredding the already fragile fabric of political rapport between citizens and their government. Exploring the insidious system that encourages elected officials to cooperate with their supposed opponents - rather than with their own constituents - he reveals the enormous power that wealthy donors and interest-group supporters wield over politicians, congressional decisionmakers, and agency agendas. Kobrak explores the insidious system that encourages elected officials to cooperate with their supposed opponents rather than with their own constituents. About the Author Peter Kobrak is professor of public administration and political science at Western Michigan University. He has written extensively on public spending and political decisionmaking.