Politics the Wellstone Way: How to Elect Progressive Candidates and Win on Issues [Paperback]

Wellstone Action (Author), Bill Lofy (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 20, 2005

During the past four years, political activism has grown to a level that has not been seen in the United States since the Vietnam War. Tensions over the war in Iraq and the presidential election motivated hundreds of thousands of people on both sides of the political fence to take to the streets. Politics the Wellstone Way offers a comprehensive set of strategies to help progressives channel that energy into winning issue-based and electoral campaigns.

Wellstone Action is a nonprofit organization dedicated to continuing Paul and Sheila Wellstone’s fight for progressive change and economic justice by teaching effective political action skills to people across the country. Politics the Wellstone Way is a workshop in book form, providing the detailed framework needed to jump-start a new generation of activists plus plenty of helpful tools for old pros, including articulating a strong message, base building, field organizing, budgeting, fundraising, scheduling, getting out the vote, and grassroots advocacy and lobbying, illustrated by practical and inspirational examples.

From the school board all the way to the White House, Politics the Wellstone Way instructs people on becoming better organizers, candidates, campaign workers, and citizen activists, empowering them to make their voices heard.

Wellstone Action was established by the Wellstones’ two surviving sons, David and Mark. The main vehicle for this ongoing work is Camp Wellstone, a weekend training program that Wellstone Action leads regularly in locations across the country. Jeff Blodgett, Paul Wellstone’s longtime campaign manager, is the executive director of Wellstone Action. For more information visit www.wellstoneaction.org.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Paul Wellstone had a great ability to win by connecting his politics to people in a profound way. Paul can’t be replaced, but his formula for success can be passed on to others, and this book does just that. Written by the people who guided his successful campaigns, it is a blueprint for those who are committed to making a difference, taking a stand, and winning.” —Walter Mondale

 

“Paul Wellstone was a great American because he was honest and led with his heart. But he was a successful leader because he knew how to organize, and he showed ordinary citizens that they had the power within themselves to change our country.” —Howard Dean, chair of the Democratic National Committee and former presidential candidate

“This book is the next best thing to going to a Camp Wellstone if, like me, you are too lazy, or too important.” —Al Franken

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: University Of Minnesota Press; 1 edition (September 20, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816646651
• ISBN-13: 978-0816646654
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #79,667 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Progressive Democrats unite, Stand up and fight...using this book!, October 10, 2005

By 

Robin Orlowski "political activist" (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Politics the Wellstone Way: How to Elect Progressive Candidates and Win on Issues (Paperback)

This book is a tribute to the late Senator Paul Wellstone (D MN) and his wife Shelia, who died in a plane accident. Before his untimely demise, Wellstone was one of the most dynamic examples that liberalism was not dead in the Democratic Party and was not dead in America either.

I loved his floor speeches and sponsored legislation because they intentionally sought an America where people truly were united. He believed in and genuinely loved the American people.

This book, influenced by the workshop series Mark and David Wellstone started to honor their parents, explains how everybody and anybody can become a more effective progressive activist. The best cause in the world looses visibility when organizers cannot get their message out to the public or even figure out how to field organize.

Since even experienced activists can become overwhelmed with all of the tasks we need to do in tight races, having the basic steps laid out was also helpful for us. Another major strength of the book is that it is for novice politicos and veteran organizers alike. The more, the merrier!

Most of all, this book stresses the Wellstone way was and is connecting with people. The right only holds seats because their candidates spin to 'common people' but we do not have to put on such false airs. We can represent the common people because we are them.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The BEST Nuts & Bolts Book on Progressive Campaigning!!!, January 8, 2006

By 

Kyle (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Politics the Wellstone Way: How to Elect Progressive Candidates and Win on Issues (Paperback)

Until recently, I wasn't able to attend a Camp Wellstone, so I did the next best thing, and purchased this book. It does an excellent job of laying out the basic knowledge needed in a progressive campaign. Very useful in electoral campaigning as well as issue based campaigns. A MUST READ for anyone involved in (or trying to join) an electoral or issue campaign. I have since purchased many books on elections, but this was the first, and in my opinion, the best overall book in my campaigning library.

This book is a basic nuts & bolts read. A very good primer and starter book on elections. READ THIS FIRST and then move on to the Faucheux and Shea type books if you are looking for a more in-depth education on campaigning and elections.

I proudly give POLITICS THE WELLSTONE WAY five stars!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Guide for Progressives, May 20, 2006

By 

M. Lange (Washington) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Politics the Wellstone Way: How to Elect Progressive Candidates and Win on Issues (Paperback)

This book is designed to be a practical campaign manual for progressive grassroots candidates and organizations in both the context of candidate races, and issue campaigns.

The book is based on the Wellstone campaigns for US Senate in Minnesota, which were highly successful and great models for "people power" campaigns. The media strategies used in the first campaign, against Rudy Boschwitz, were classic examples of what I call "guerilla campaigning," in that they used innovative approaches to get the biggest bang for the buck, and gain earned media. Now most campaigns from both parties do the same sort of thing, but at the time, in 1990, it was incredibly innovative.

Of course, the Wellstone campaigns were animated by Paul Wellstone, an incredibly charismatic and tenacious fighter in the political wars. For a less dynamic candidate, it is hard to say if the organization would have been as successful. Still, the lesson is that a strong, smart organization is the key to victory for outfinanced progressive candidates, and this book is designed to help build such organizations.

The book does lose some of its effectiveness for the smaller campaign, unfortunately. It is geared to provide a model for statewide and congressional races. Most smaller campaigns, such as those for state legislature, will not be able to do what is described in this book, for want of personnel or funds. Even so, the book gives terrific pointers for organization, strategy, and tactics considerations.