Who Runs For The Legislature?

Rating:
Summary: More academic than practical, but still interesting
Review: This book is primarily a study of who runs for state legislative seats, and how the mix of persons has changed recently. In this, it is more of an academic study than a "how-to" guide.

However, there are some practical parts that would be of interest to those considering a race. Throughout the book are ten "candidate vignettes" that show the difficulties and situations faced by real candidates.

In the latter part of the book, there is a section dealing with the candidate and their campaign that also offers some practical comments (primary one: most first time candidates underestimate the work involved in running for office. Very true.).

Overall this is interesting, though perhaps mostly to those involved in the process or political science types.

Rating:
Summary: Important Study of Ignored Area
Review: This book presents research on what types of people run for election to state legislative positions. It is the result of interviews of legislative party leaders in half the states, surveys of legislative candidates in eight states, and personal interviews of candidates in three sates. A primary observation of this book is that, in recent years, fewer people seek election to state legislatures. This is interesting, as state legislatures have gained greater importance. State legislatures have been gaining increased power over budgets and overseeing government operations. While state legislators have gained power, the position attracts fewer candidates.
It appears challengers shy away from running against these increasingly powerful incumbent legislators. It is usually difficult to defeat an incumbent legislator. It is costly in terms of time and finance to run campaigns. Further, winning often is not enough incentive to run. People usually find more financial reward, job security, and potential occupational upward mobility in other careers. It is becoming more difficult to find people to risk their carrers to enter politics.
The authors find there has been increased activity towards social and political activism. There has been decreased participation in any type of structured activities, from being politically active, going to church, and even joining bowling leagues.
So, who does run? Just over half (52.1% according to the authors) of legislative candidates have no children at home. Most candidates are male and Caucasian. The largest source of candidates is those recruited by political party officials.
This is a fascinating study into an area seldom examined. It is dismaying that the public has fewer choices in voting for state legisaltive seats at times when the position's importance is increasing. The book shows how a lack of media attention on legislative races means the public is receiving less information to make choices even when choices of candidates are presented. This book makes solid observations based on empirical evidence. It is an excellent study.