David C.W. Parker is an associate professor of political science at Montana State University. He is the author of The Power of Money in Congressional Campaigns, 1880-2006 (University of Oklahoma Press), as well as articles on the consequences of divided government and how members of Congress build reputations with their constituents. His article, "Making a Good Impression: Resource Allocations, Home Styles, and Washington Work," won the 2010 Alan Rosenthal Award from the American Political Science Association. His co-edited volume on archival research methodology was published last year. Prior to entering the academy, Dr. Parker worked as a field representative, communications director, and campaign manager for a presidential, mayoral, and two Senate campaigns. He also writes a blog for the Montana State University Department of Political Science entitled Big Sky Political Analysis.

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• Chapter 1: What Happened in Montana Won’t Stay in MontanaDo Campaigns Matter? Montana Votes ‘Yes’The Rise of the WestBuilding Constituent ConnectionsA Ringside SeatChapter 2: Montana: The Last, Best Place?Place-Based Connections“One of Us”Montana: The PlaceMontana and the Feds: A Love-Hate RelationshipMontana: The PeopleConclusionChapter 3: Jon Tester’s Creating a BuzzPrepolitical Careers and Representational StyleThe Dirt Farmer from Big SandyJon Tester Goes to HelenaGoing Belly to Belly with Senator BurnsConclusionChapter 4: Denny Rehberg: A Man in a HurryThe Billings RancherForget Me Not: Denny the InsurgentDenny and MaxMontana’s Lone CongressmanTwo Early Political Careers, Two Different PathsConclusionChapter 5: Representational Style: How Congressman Rehberg and Senator Tester GovernHome Styles in the Big SkyWashington WorkExplaining Washington Work to ConstituentsHome Styles and Town HallsConclusionChapter 6: Campaigning in a Citizens United World: The Early Days of the RacePriming and FramingFarmer Jon or Barack Tester; Rancher Denny or Irresponsible Dennis?Citizens United: More Money, Less ControlThe Pledge That Wasn’tConclusionChapter 7: What Voters Know, How They Decide, and When Campaigns MatterHow Individuals Make Voting Decisions in Congressional ElectionsMontana: Independent Voters Facing a Rich Information EnvironmentRepresentational Relationships: What Did Montanans Know and When Did They Know it?Talking Politics: The Bozeman Focus GroupsReinforcing an Information AdvantageConclusionChapter 8: The Message Matters: The Politics of Personality and IssuesDo Campaigns Matter? What Political Science SaysRehberg’s DecisionInformation Advantages and Voter Learning: How Personality Trumped Issues and ResourcesThe Final StretchConclusionChapter 9: The End GameHow the Campaign MatteredThe Democratic BrandIt’s the Economy, Stupid?“Responsible” Decision Making: The Politics of Representational StyleDan Cox: Spoiler?The Democratic Ground GameA Final LookConclusionChapter 10: Lessons LearnedFuture DirectionsConclusion