Small Power: How Local Parties Shape Elections

In Small Power, David Doherty, Conor M. Dowling, and Michael G. Miller examine an important, but understudied, aspect of American political parties: the local organizations that are responsible for increasing the party's community visibility, recruiting first-time candidates, and providing the crucial labor that campaigns use to mobilize voters. They argue that despite overseeing small geographies, the leaders of these local parties wield significant power in American politics to shape statewide and federal campaigns. The book also merges a number of data sources--including national surveys and interviews with party leaders--to describe how local party units impact American politics.

David Doherty is Associate Professor of Political Science at Loyola University Chicago. His work focuses on political behaviour. His research has appeared in journals including The American Political Science Review, American Journal of Political Science, The Journal of Politics, Public Opinion Quarterly, and Political Behavior.

Conor M. Dowling is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Mississippi. His work focuses on mass and elite political behavior. His previous books include Unhealthy Politics (2017) and Super PAC! Money, Elections, and Voters After Citizens United (2014).

Michael G. Miller is Assistant Professor of Political Science at Barnard College of Columbia University. His work focuses on American elections, campaign finance, and party organizations. His previous books include Subsidizing Democracy (2014) and Super PAC! Money, Elections, and Voters After Citizens United (2014).