First Person Political: Legislative Life and the Meaning of Public Service

Reeher, Grant

ISBN 10: 0814775764 / ISBN 13: 9780814775769

Published by NYU Press (edition ), 2006

About this Item

The item is brand new, never used or read. It's in perfect condition and may include supplements and/or access codes or come shrink-wrapped.

Seller Inventory # 0814775764-10-1

Bibliographic Details

• Title: First Person Political: Legislative Life and the Meaning of Public Service
• Publisher: NYU Press (edition )
• Publication Date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0814775764
• ISBN 13: 9780814775769
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

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.

About the Author

Grant Reeher is associate professor of political science at Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. He is the co-author of Click on Democracy: The Internet’s Power to Change Political Apathy into Civic Action.