[.ca] The Campaign Manager: Running And Winning Local Elections (ISBN 0813342228)

Excellent resource!:
I've now had a chance to read or review a number of the top-rated campaign books. Without exception The Campaign Manager was the most helpful: it's a hands-on, how-to manual that's easy to read and covers all aspects of a campaign. The biggest selling point is that it is clear the author draws from years of direct campaigning experience. Every section has great tips for saving money and being more competitive in a market where "money is king." While it covers computer-driven organizational systems there are also systems for those who are not so technologically inclined. It's clear that Shaw knows when you're working a grassroots campaign you sometimes need to adapt to a volunteers' level of expertise not the other way around. This book is a real field guide and the best tool you could have in winning an election.

She Knows Her Campaigns!:
This book holds a wealth of information. As a librarian , I appreciate the practical nature of this book, the interesting style of writing and how well organized it is. Following Catherine Shaw's guidelines, you are sure to win your campaign. I should know, my library was lucky enough to have her leading our building campaign and we won. We have since recommended the book to many other libraries who have had similar success in their campaigns. This is a book written by someone who "has been there and done that". Her advice is well tested and presented in a way all can follow. Highly recommended.

More appropriate for first-time candidates and novices:
I bought this book hoping to get some ideas and insights on grassroots organizing, but I was dismayed to find that the book is much more elementary than I anticipated. It seems like a good resource for someone running for school board or a small town's council. However, if you're looking for pointers on running/managing a campaign, you may be better served by another book, perhaps Daniel Shea's "Campaign Craft." The book also fails to address the increasingly important technological aspect of modern campaigning, recommending that you keep track of your supporters via index cards. While reliable, this method is not exactly on the cutting edge of the campaign industry.

It's all in there!:
This book seriously has everything you need to know for running a local election. Whether you plan to read it cover to cover, or look things up as you go, this book will tell you what you need to know to be successful. Catherine Shaw has graciously written down everything she knows about a campaign and handed it to us on a silver platter. The only way to learn more than you learn with this book would be to work with Ms. Shaw in person! Don't run a local election without it!

Democrat city - but good info:
This book has a Democrat slant but has good information. If you are a Republican I wouldn't recommend looking for a campaign manager in the teachers union or volunteers in union halls. GO !W! GO!