Parties, Interest Groups, and Political Campaigns

Shows how political parties, interest groups and elections have become totally interdependent in the era of candidate-centered US politics.

Just in time for the coming elections, this book shows how political parties, interest groups, and elections have become totally interdependent in the era of candidate-centered politics, issue advocacy organizations, and media-driven campaigns. With up-to-date data through the mid-term elections of 2006, this book looks ahead to 2008 in illustrating such important developments as the increasing polarization of party politics, the effects of campaign finance reform, the rise of the 527s in campaign advertising, the K Street lobbying phenomenon, and new media and movements across the political spectrum. An essential resource for political junkies, this book provides one-stop shopping for understanding the combined impact of three major institutions on the future of American politics.