GRASSROOTS: The Surprising Election of Judge Timothy Patrick O'Reilly

In this captivating memoir, Judge Timothy Patrick O'Reilly (Ret.) recounts his surprising grassroots election to the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas in 1995. A lifelong Democrat and political newcomer, O'Reilly defied the odds by winning the Republican nomination in the primary and going on to defeat the Democratic nominee in the general election, despite Democrats outnumbering Republicans 2.5 to 1 in the county.

With wit and insight, O'Reilly shares how he and a dedicated team of family, friends and supporters mounted an innovative, targeted campaign that emphasized direct voter contact, eye-catching signs, humorous radio ads, and his compelling personal story as a widowed single father and attorney fighting for working people. Along the way, readers get a colorful inside look at Allegheny County politics in the 1990s.

O'Reilly's unlikely victory demonstrates the enduring power of retail politics, hard work and personal appeal in our electoral process. His David vs Goliath story will inspire anyone who believes an underdog can still triumph in American democracy with the right message, strategy and grass-roots support. Seasoned with Irish humor and Pittsburgh heart, Grassroots is an irresistible political tale for our times.