For political trench warriors, this book is a bible of sorts. It covers issue- and candidate-based campaigns. As former Oregon Secretary of State, Phil Keisling put it in a cover note: "This is arguably the most comprehensive, insightful, and useful compendium of local campaign wisdom ever assembled." NPR's political correspondent, Mara Liasson is also a fan. It's easy to see why. Shaw's perspective is focused, and she offers readers a wealth of useful examples, tables and illustrations as real-world touchstones. But for this reviewer, the principal strength of this work is its success in reducing the mystery of politics to a science. Shaw has learned her trade well, and has practiced it successfully for decades. As a result, her book is replete with the kind of insight, wit and sage advice anyone brave or crazy enough to take on a political campaign will certainly need.
If you've got a school bond to pass, get this book. If you're tired of your local state representative or senator, get this book and show it to others of like mind. You may just end up with a candidate. And you'll certainly end up with a plan. If your Uncle Homer is always complaining about the usual suspects, get this book and give him a copy with the admonition that he better give it a rest unless he wants to run himself. Just be ready to have a politician in the family or among your network of friends. Yes, this book is that good.
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