It's common knowledge that money talks--loudly--in national and statewide elections. But money has a voice in local elections, too. Adams (political science, San Diego State U.) discusses how much campaign financing matters in mayoral and city council elections by drawing from 700 races that included 2,800 candidates. Topics include: electoral accessibility and the campaign finance barrier, biases in the contributor pool, the effects of contribution limits, and the impact of public financing. The author also addresses opportunities for reform in his conclusion. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)