Overview

An insider's look into the largely anonymous volunteers in local party organizations who make decisions in elections with profound implications for American democracy. Although scholars have long recognized that local American parties play an important role in elections, surprisingly little is known about the individuals who lead these typically small, volunteer-based organizations. As David Doherty, Conor M. Dowling, and Michael G. Miller show in Small Power, local party leaders influence the electoral process in myriad ways: They recruit and support candidates, interface with state-wide and federal campaigns, and get out the vote in their communities. Drawing from a survey of over 850 Democratic and Republican local party chairs, a nationally representative sample of voters, and dozens of in-depth interviews, the authors describe how parties are organized, who party chairs are, and how they serve the party. Leveraging novel experiments that illuminate how chairs make choices about which individuals to recruit as candidates--as well as whether those choices reflect voters' preferences--Small Power sheds new light on how seemingly mundane local decisions can shape party goals, influence candidate pipelines, and affect who ends up winning elections.

Full Product Details

9798212161947

Table of Contents

Reviews

Author Information

Michael G. Miller is assistant professor of political science at Barnard College of Columbia University. His work focuses on American elections, campaign finance, and party organizations. His books include Subsidizing Democracy and Super PAC! Money, Elections, and Voters After Citizens United. Conor M. Dowling is associate professor of political science at the University of Mississippi. His work focuses on mass and elite political behavior. His books include Unhealthy Politics and Super PAC! Money, Elections, and Voters After Citizens United. David Doherty is associate professor of political science at Loyola University Chicago. His work focuses on political behavior. His research has appeared in journals including the American Political Science Review, American Journal of Political Science, The Journal of Politics, Public Opinion Quarterly, and Political Behavior. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Joe Hempel, a total eighties' kid, had a fascination with an eclectic array of shows that would later shape his performances in the audiobook world-shows like Alf, Night Court, Tales from the Crypt, and WWF Superstars. For over a decade Joe honed his acting skills as a referee in professional wrestling and inspired people as a NASM certified personal trainer and endurance coach. Combined with his animated personality and a love for reading, becoming an audiobook narrator was a natural step. Best known for his captivating, rich narrations and uncanny ability for pulling listeners into an immersive experience, Joe has entertained listeners with over 100 audiobooks ranging from horror and mystery to science fiction, romance, and personal development. Joe still lives in Cincinnati with his son Zach, and enjoys running marathons and bringing words on a page to life. Joe is also the winner of the 2018 ABR Listeners Choice Award for Horror.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available