Battle for the Big Sky

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.

• 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