ABSTRACT

When this book was first published in 1987, many first-time candidates unabashedly referred to it as "the Bible." Now in a new, updated edition, How to Win Your 1st Election is a step-by-step guide to the entire campaign process, from raising funds right through handling election-day jitters. Want to know where to put up signs? What to say at a candidates' forum? How to dress to make the best possible impression? Let Susan Guber, who beat out seven other candidates in her first election, show you the way.

How to Win Your 1st Election is an ideal book for aspiring candidates, campaign managers, public relations consultants and students of political science and U.S. government. Written in a clear, easy-to-read style, it devotes entire chapters to topics such as hiring staff, managing the media, creating a public image, writing and delivering speeches, and campaign ethics. What's more, it's one of the few books out there that offers a full, comprehensive look at our country's unique electoral system-as seen through the eyes of an experienced insider. Susan Guber put this information to work for herself in three successful campaigns. Won't you try the same?

chapter 1|5 pages

Deciding to Run

chapter 2|6 pages

Getting Involved

chapter 3|12 pages

Using the Elections Department

chapter 4|4 pages

Spreading the Word

chapter 5|4 pages

Setting Up Your Campaign Headquarters

chapter 6|2 pages

Setting Your Priorities

chapter 7|15 pages

Raising Money

chapter 8|4 pages

Hiring Staff

chapter 9|5 pages

Defining the Issues

chapter 10|6 pages

Writing and Delivering Speeches

chapter 11|4 pages

Finding and Using Volunteers

chapter 12|5 pages

Exploring and Utilizing New Technology

chapter 13|6 pages

Using Signs

chapter 14|7 pages

Using Mail and the Media

chapter 15|7 pages

Creating a Public Image

chapter 17|14 pages

Walking Door to Door

chapter 18|2 pages

Campaign Ethics

chapter 19|3 pages

Screening the Candidates

chapter 20|3 pages

Campaigning in the Schools

chapter 21|5 pages

Campaigning in a Multicultural Community

chapter 22|5 pages

Creating the Phone Bank

chapter 23|5 pages

Organizing the Poll Watchers

chapter 24|4 pages

Dealing with Emotions

chapter 25|3 pages

Handling Election Day

chapter 26|3 pages

Cleaning Up and Saying Thanks

chapter 27|3 pages

Conclusion