Chapter 14 The Campaign Process

Chapter 14 The Campaign Process  To Accompany Comprehensive, Alternate, and Texas Editions American Government: Roots and Reform, 10th edition Karen O’Connor and Larry J. Sabato Pearson Education, 2009

Nature of Modern Campaigns  Most electoral contests are similar in a number of ways.  Nomination campaign aimed at winning primary.  General election campaign aimed at winning final race.

Candidate and Staff  Candidates run for a number of reasons.  Volunteers focus on canvassing and get out the vote.  Personal staff led by campaign manager.  Also have finance chair, pollster, Internet team.  Communications director, direct mailer, press secretary.  Campaign and media consultants may be hired.

The Role of the Media  Media can be paid or free; new media blur the line.  Paid media usually takes the form of spot ads.  It is well controlled by the campaign.  Ads may be negative, positive, contrast, or inoculation.  Free media is usually news coverage.  It is difficult for the campaign to control.  New media include Internet, e-mail, phone messages.

Strategies to Control the Media  Isolating the candidate from the media.  Holding staged media events.  Using spin.  Appearing on talk shows or in candidate debates.

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act  Passed in 2002 to update FECA of 1973.  Outlaws use of soft money.  Limits individual and political action committee funds.  Political parties become larger players.  Allows donations from “leadership PACs.”  Does not regulate use of personal money.  Regulates the use of public and matching funds.

2008 Presidential Election  Party nomination battles were long and contentious.  Conventions held in Denver and St. Paul.  Democrats nominate Barack Obama and Joe Biden.  Republicans nominate John McCain and Sarah Palin.  Election was close until the final weeks.  Three presidential and one vice-presidential debates.  Obama eventually won the popular vote, 53-46.

Election Analysis  Obama made gains in South and West.  Voter turnout was as high as it had been since 1964.  Obama’s choice not to use public financing helped him.  African Americans and women were keys for Obama.

The 527 Loophole  Advocacy may only be paid for with hard money.  Soft money is banned under BCRA.  527 political committees emerge to fill void.  Cannot advocate for candidates, only causes and policy.  501(c)3 committees also can educate voters.

AV- 527 Groups  Back

Figure 14.1- Campaign Organization  Back

Figure 14.2- Expenditures by PACs  Back

Figure 14.3- Group Voting Patterns  Back

Table 14.1- Contribution Limits  Back

Chapter 14 The Campaign Process

by chadmueller on Oct 30, 2010

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Chapter 14 The Campaign Process — Presentation Transcript