Maine: The Dynamics of Political Change

by Christian P. Potholm

Overview

Christian Potholm has worked as a political insider and activist for much of the last forty years, dividing his time between the classroom and the election arena. By analyzing the interactive ebbs and flows of political campaigns, Potholm uses both quantitative and qualitative analysis to understand the process and make predictions regarding the outcome. He contends that political campaigns waged in the State of Maine display a strong dynamic quality independent of the instant polls and reports that our media sources use to predict outcomes. Through quantitative analysis, Potholm shows that Maine political campaigns are underpinned by a positive sense of well being unique to the country, a character that celebrates its freedom and essence in all facets of society. Potholm dissects his study using data as well as anecdotal references to share the political and psychological dimensions of Maine politics in all of their dynamism.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780739113325
Publisher:	Lexington Books
Publication date:	10/12/2005
Pages:	178
Product dimensions:	6.56(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.79(d)

About the Author

Christian P. Potholm is DeAlva Stanwood Alexander Professor of Government at Bowdoin College.

Table of Contents

1 Introduction
2 Part 1: The Dynamics of an Open Seat
3 Part 2: the Dynamics of the Campaign Process
4 Part 3: The Dynamics of Public Referenda
5 Part 4: The Dynamics of Political Leadership
6 Part 5: The Dynamics of Maine's Well-Being
7 Part 6: Maine in Comparative Perspective
8 Two Words More: Giving Thanks

Editorial Reviews

Christian Potholm has produced a lively, witty, and informative look at the inside characteristics of Maine politics. While probing the salient issues at the core of Maine's political arena, he illuminates aspects of that crucible too often overlooked, or missed entirely, by the media and other political analysts. Both acerbic and sensitive, Potholm's analyses provide the reader with a deeper understanding of campaign conduct and the democratic process. In these matters, his voice is authoritative.

Greg Gallant