This book distills the campaign training experiences of Wellstone Action, the nonprofit founded in the wake of the death of Senator Paul Wellstone in order to teach effective political action skills to progressive citizens, activists, candidates, and campaign workers. The authors (both of Wellstone Action) set out what they believe are the core competencies for running winning campaigns. Their 15 chapters discuss the qualities of good candidates and managers, writing the campaign plan, message crafting and delivery, voter targeting, building the base and using it for direct voter contact, direct mail, paid advertising, working with reporters, raising and managing money, getting to know the candidate and understanding the opponent, scheduling the candidate's time, use of technology, and voter turn out. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)