Midterm Madness: The Elections of 2002 (Center for Politics Series) - Softcover

3.8

5 ratings by Goodreads

9780742526860: Midterm Madness: The Elections of 2002 (Center for Politics Series)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0742526860 ISBN 13: 9780742526860

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2003

The midterm contests for the Senate, House of Representatives, and 36 governorships produced drama aplenty in 2002. A tragic plane crash killed a U.S. senator just ten days before the election, casting his state into mourning and political confusion. Another senator, losing in his reelection bid because of corruption, chose to withdraw in mid-campaign. The president's own brother was involved in a knock-down, drag-out campaign for reelection in the state that installed the current White House occupant by a grand total of 537 votes. But more than anything, the 2002 midterm elections featured a titanic struggle between the political parties for control of Congress. Both houses were narrowly divided in the so-called '50-50' America produced by the split 2000 presidential election. Which party, if either, would emerge with the spoils of war? In the end, there was no landslide, but there was a clear victor: the Republicans. And the colossus of 2002 was President George W. Bush, the driving force behind the historic GOP triumph. Firmly securing the House and recapturing the Senate gives Bush an unusual opportunity in American politics―to be stronger in the second half of his term than the first. Through a superb team of academics and journalists led by Dr. Larry J. Sabato, Midterm Madness: The Elections of 2002 analyzes and dissects this fascinating election season.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

About the Author:

Larry J. Sabato is director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville and author of numerous books including Feeding Frenzy: How Attack Journalism Has Transformed American Politics and Peepshow: Media and Politics in an Age of Scandal.

Review:

These case studies are rich in detail and comprehensive in scope. The book is an excellent introduction to the contemporary political scene. Highly recommended. (CHOICE)

This trenchant analysis of George W. Bush at midterm time is the first to examine how an accidental president became politically potent enough to defy conventional wisdom and lead his party to unprecedented success in 2002. By raising the specter of a new midterm paradigm that will give political scientists considerable fodder for future research, Sabato does it again. Midterm Madness is an outstanding addition to the library of anyone interested in campaigns and elections. (Karen O' Connor, American University)

This book provides a clear and compelling commentary on Election 2002 by a distinguished set of writers. Everything you wanted to know about the midterm election, but were afraid to ask. Must-reading for all who are polishing their crystal balls for 2004! (Darrell M. West, Brown University)

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.