17: Topic Grassroots Mobilization I. Definition II. Steps A. divide districts B. Voter ID C. Rpovide info, especially to uncommitted swing voters D. Make sure ppl turnout III. Research A. local party organization 1. Machines (old) 2. Local party still important B. Experiments on Campaign info Distribution 1. Robo-calls used as negative tactic by opponent -what is the most effective way -speaking on the phone in a slow and casual style (best done by volunteers) *Last week of a campaign is the most important time to contact voters* *One well targeted/ well done contact is as effective as multiple ones C. Survey research -about 44% of voters in 2004 indicated that they had some contact with the campaign Party or politician about an election 1. ppl who are contacted are significantly more likely to become politically active -more likely to turnout to vote, work in campaigns, display paraphernalia, etc. IV. More than just parties A. intermediary orgs./ interest groups 1. Labor unions 2. Christian Coalition Topic 18: Effect of Pol. Consultants Effect I. on political parties -parties take a longer view of politics -political consultants not beholden to a particular candidate A. Negative effects 1.concern is the extent to which these consultants help to reduce the impact of party 2. Candidates can run against the party 3.political consultants don't have the same ideological commitment as parties B. Positive effects 1. Parties and consultants share goals (election) 2. Consultants do what parties cannot -provide targeted technical assistance and personal advice *party itself doesn't have the resources to do this. Cannot micromanage Each campaign II. Effect on Citizens -Candidates are hiring political consultants for the purpose of having an effect on citizens A. mixed evidence that advice given has that much of an effect at all B. basically, consultants are perceived as "bad" (devious, unscrupulous, manipulative) III. Fundraising Effect -one of the qualities candidates look for in a consultant is a track record of raising a lot of money IV. Effect on Vote