Publisher's Synopsis
Every four years, The State of the Parties brings readers up to date on political party action in election years and in-between. The fourth edition of this essential party primer includes: -The first report on the midterm elections of 2002 -A whole new part on national party finances -Twelve new chapters covering topics ranging from party web sites, to political consultants, to state-level party activity -Thoroughly revised anchor chapters including a recast argument, by Theodore J. Lowi, for a more responsible three party system The growing sophistication of party politics is the theme of this new edition, a theme sure to be played out in the elections of 2004.