High-Tech Grass Roots: The Professionalization of Local Elections

Election campaigns in small and mid-sized electoral districts have been run from the grass roots from the beginning of the republic. Yard signs, door-to-door canvassing, and soap-box oratory have characterized state and local elections for years, and many predict their persistence into the 21st century. This book looks at new trends in small-town politics, tracking the infiltration of sophisticated communications technology, the use of political consultants, and the increase in fundraising and campaign expenditures. Original surveys, interviews, and in-depth case studies lead the author to conclude that the new tactics are with us to stay, but that their potentially negative effects--rising campaign budgets and diminished citizen participation--may be mitigated by creative approaches to reform.

About the author

J. Cherie Strachan is assistant professor of communication at the University of Albany.

Product details

• Authors: Cherie J. Strachan
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 01.01.2003
• EAN: 9780742517653
• ISBN: 978-0-7425-1765-3
• No. of pages: 256
• Dimensions: 158 mm x 236 mm x 16 mm
• Weight: 322 g
• Series: Campaigning American Style
• Subject: Social sciences, law, business > Political science > Political science and political education