"First Person Political illuminates why people run for and serve in
state legislatures from the standpoint of the legislators
themselves and in a way that increases our appreciation of
representative democracy. Part of the charm of this book is that it
is intensely personal and, therefore, compelling."
--Karl Kurtz, co-author of "Republic on Trial: The Case for
Representative Democracy"
aAt a time when public disillusionment with elected leaders and
political institutions is increasing rapidly, it is refreshing to
read a book that highlights the selfless nature of public
service....This is a wonderful read. The book realistically
portrays the various stages in a legislatoras life and the
challenges one faces while in office.a
--"Perspectives on Politics"
"First Person Political fills an important void in our
understanding of politicians and politics. Through a combination of
surveys and the tools of the political scientist, Reeher provides
for the reader both empathy and insight into what makes politicians
tick at the state legislative level. We may not like what our state
legislators do, but reading this work will help us understand much
better who we elect and the constraints that operate on
them."
--Thomas J. Volgy, author of "Politics in the Trenches: Citizens,
Politicians, and the Fate of Democracy"
aAn informative, sophisticated, and entertaining book. Reeher's
interviews with three sets of state lawmakers in three distinct
legislatures provide candor, real food for thought, and wonderful
insights. First Person Political stands as a real contribution to
understanding legislative politics, the people who practice these
politics, and how to gently nudge politiciansto provide candid
glimpses of their world.a
--Burdett Loomis, co-author of "The Sound of Money: How Political
Interest Groups Get What They Want"
In First Person Political, Grant Reeher combats the public's
alienation from and distrust of politicians by putting a personal
face on everyday political life. Through moving personal
interviews, Reeher allows legislators to tell their own stories
about how and why they came to politics, the experience of serving
in their state legislature, their decisions to stay or leave, and
the many trials they face in the name of public service. Reeher
contends that these politicians do have the public good in mind and
often suffer great personal losses for their chance to represent
the people and fight for what they think is right. His research
also shows that those who choose to run for office often come from
a background of deep community involvement.
Reeher argues against public cynicism about our elected
officials, and his profiles stir not only our praise and respect
for these legislators, but also a greater belief in the democratic
process itself. The excerpts from his interviews provide a rarely
afforded intimate look at these politicians. What emerges from
these stories is a humane and believable portrait of public
servants acting on behalf of the public good, a portrait that
should provide some comfort, perhaps even inspiration, for citizens
concerned about the state of American democracy.
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