Challenging the Incumbent

by Sidlow, Edward I.

• ISBN13: 9781568028200
• ISBN10: 1568028202
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-10-01
• Publisher: Cq Pr

Summary

Courage, commitment, determination, and ego make first-time candidates run&BAD:hellip; But what does it take to make them win?Edward Sidlow&BAD:rs"s new case study, Challenging the Incumbent: An Underdog&BAD:rs"s Undertaking, animates the scholarship on congressional elections as it tells an intimate, behind-the-scenes story of the 2000 congressional race in Illinois&BAD:rs" 8th district. Lance Pressl, a 42-year-old challenger takes on long-time incumbent Phil Crane in a political contest that epitomizes the trials and tribulations confronting those who dare to run against incumbents. Combining the most recent scholarship on campaigns and elections with an eye-witness account of the day-to-day dynamics of a race, Sidlow documents Pressl&BAD:rs"s efforts as he tries to win the support and commitment of his core constituents and powerful political allies. The challenges he faces are legion: Will major demographic changes in the district bode well for Pressl, a moderate Democrat running in a well-established Republican stronghold? Will Pressl&BAD:rs"s well-connected personal contacts bring the dollars so critical to his campaign? Will they attract enough media attention? To whom can he turn for sound strategic advice and support? Balancing key issues in electoral politics with a fascinating David-and-Goliath storyline, Sidlow&BAD:rs"s study will give students context in which to understand the dynamics&BAD:-and the vagaries&BAD:-of House elections.

Author Biography

Edward I. Sidlow (Ph.D., Ohio State University) is professor of political science at Eastern Michigan University

Table of Contents

Illustrations	vii
Preface	ix
Cast of Characters	xiii
Campaign Countdown	xv
Prologue: From Political Science to Politics	1	(6)
The Decision to Run: A Challenger's Bid, an Incumbent's Advantage	7	(16)
The District and the Candidates: The Electoral Context	23	(12)
The Early Days: Building Support	35	(24)
In the Office and on the Trail: Managing Resources	59	(18)
The Dog Days of Summer: Developing a Campaign Style	77	(20)
Race to the Finish: Campaign Dynamics	97	(26)
Election Day: The Finish Line	123	(16)
Epilogue: New Challenges	139	(10)
Index	149