First Person Political

First Person Political fills an important void in our understanding of politicians and politics. Through a combination of surveys and the tools of the political scientist, Reeher provides for the reader both empathy and insight into what makes politicians tick at the state legislative level. We may not like what our state legislators do, but reading this work will help us understand much better who we elect and the constraints that operate on them. -- Thomas J. Volgy,author of Politics in the Trenches: Citizens, Politicians, and the Fate of Democracy First Person Political illuminates why people run for and serve in state legislatures from the standpoint of the legislators themselves and in a way that increases our appreciation of representative democracy. Part of the charm of this book is that it is intensely personal and, therefore, compelling. -- Karl Kurtz,co-author of Republic on Trial: The Case for Representative Democracy An informative, sophisticated, and entertaining book. Reehers interviews with three sets of state lawmakers in three distinct legislatures provide candor, real food for thought, and wonderful insights. First Person Political stands as a real contribution to understanding legislative politics, the people who practice these politics, and how to gently nudge politicians to provide candid glimpses of their world. -- Burdett Loomis,co-author of The Sound of Money: How Political Interest Groups Get What They Want At a time when public disillusionment with elected leaders and political institutions is increasing rapidly, it is refreshing to read a book that highlights the selfless nature of public service. . . . This is a wonderful read. The book realistically portrays the various stages in a legislator's life and the challenges one faces while in office. * Perspectives on Politics *

Grant Reeher is associate professor of political science at Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. He is the co-author of Click on Democracy: The Internet's Power to Change Political Apathy into Civic Action.

Acknowledgments1 Introduction: The Sickness Unto Politics 2 Arriving 3 Serving 4 Staying and Going 5 Falling Down and Standing Up Appendix: Methods and Contexts Notes References Index About the Author