Lynne Rienner Campaign Crises: Detours on the Road to Congress

How do sleepy congressional campaigns become heated battles? What happens behind the scenes during pivotal moments? Sam Garrett explores the dynamic process of electioneering by focusing on the insights and activities of political professionals: the consultants, party officials, staffers, and others who make a career out of campaigning. As his analysis makes clear, how these experts handle crises - be they real, imagined, or manufactured by or for the competition - often shapes electoral outcomes. Garrett explores how political professionals navigate crises over the course of congressional campaigns. Review An excellent book. Garrett draws on extensive interviews with political professionals to highlight aspects of the campaign process that are too often missed by detached scholars. - Michael Burton, Ohio University ""Garrett has crafted an innovative book that both enlightens and entertains. Providing first-rate analyses and adding important layers to our understanding, he helps unpack the dynamics behind the contact sport of electioneering."" - Burdett Loomis, University of Kansas ""Delving into the hearts and minds of consultants in the know, Garrett offers an insightful look at the tense moments that make or break campaigns. Anyone interested in what happens to candidates on the campaign trail will enjoy this excellent book."" - Leah Murray, Weber State University About the Author R. Sam Garrett is a research fellow at American University's Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies, as well as an analyst for the Congressional Research Service at the Library of Congress.