2. The Big Picture The Nomination – the official endorsement of a candidate for office by a political party; for success, requires momentum, money, and media attention Campaign Strategy – the master plan that is laid out by the candidate to guide their electoral campaign Deciding to Run Campaigns are physically and emotionally exhausting Other countries have short campaign systems – U.S. campaigns (especially for President) can lost 18 months or more.

3. Winning the Nomination – Competing for Delegates The Caucus Road Meeting of state party leaders to choose delegates Organized like a pyramid from local precincts to the state’s convention Not used by many states – Iowa is the first and considered the most important The Primary Road Elections which voters choose the nominee or delegates that pledge for the nominee; dates back to early 1900’s as a reform movement Most states used some form of a primary with New Hampshire being first Frontloading is now popular – have an early primary to gain importance General primaries are viewed as elimination contests

4. Winning the Nomination – Competing for Delegates Evaluating the Primary and Caucus System There is disproportionate attention paid to the early ones. Prominent politicians find it difficult to make time to run. Money plays a large role. Participation in primaries and caucuses is low and unrepresentative. The system gives an incredible amount of power to the media.

5. Winning the Nomination – The Convention The Convention Send-off Once provided great drama, but now they are a mere formality --- which means less tv time Are still important to party followers – help with organization and motivation Biggest accomplishment is the adoption of a party platform – the statement of goals and policies and general beliefs Official nominations occur here with candidate speeches

6. Using the Media The High-Tech Media Game Direct mail is used to generate support and money for the candidate Candidates will gain media attention through an advertising budget and the attempt to get “free” coverage There is a huge emphasis on marketing the candidate News focuses on strategies and events; not the actual policies of a candidate

7. The Campaign Organizing the Campaign Get a campaign manager Get a fundraiser and legal counsel Hire media and campaign consultants Assemble staff and plan logistics Get a research staff, policy advisors, and pollsters Get a good press secretary Hire someone that is going to establish a website and links to social media

8. Campaign Finance Reforms Federal Election Campaign Act (1974) Created the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to administer campaign finance laws for federal elections Created the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Provided partial public financing for presidential primaries (matching funds) Provided full public financing for major party candidates in the general election Required full disclosure of campaign contributions and spending Limited contributions to political campaigns

9. Campaign Finance Reforms Soft Money Contributions (with no limits) used for party-building expenses or generic party advertising McCain-Feingold Act (2002) Banned soft money, increased amount individuals could contribute, and limited “issue ads” Citizens United (2009) Supreme Court case that ruled the First Amendment prohibits the government from restricting political expenditures from corporations, labor unions, and associations

10. Campaign Finance Reforms The Proliferation of Political Action Committees (PAC’s) Definition – created by law in 1974 to allow corporations, labor unions, and others to donate money to campaigns Today, there are over 4,600 active PAC’s. In 2002, PAC’s contributed over $258 million to congressional candidates. They donate to candidates who support their issue, regardless of party affiliation Not sufficient enough data to say that PAC’s “buy” candidates

11. Are Campaigns Out of Control? Are Campaigns Too Expensive? Fundraising takes up lots of time. As incumbents spend more money, they actually do worse; they need it when they face tough challengers The Doctrine of Sufficiency – candidates need just “enough” money to win; not necessarily “more”

12. Campaigns have three effects on voters: Reinforcement, Activation, Conversion Mostly they reinforce and activate. Selective Participation – Pay attention to things that we agree with. Party identification still has an effect. Incumbents start with a substantial advantage.

13. Are Nominations and Campaigns Too Democratic? Campaigns are open to almost everyone. Campaigns consume much time and money. Campaigns promote individualism in American politics. Do Big Governments Lead to an Increased Scope of Government? Candidates make numerous, especially to state and local interests. Hard for politicians to promise to make government cuts.