
Stranger in a Strange State
The Politics of Carpetbagging from Robert Kennedy to Scott Brown
Christopher J. Galdieri(Author)
State University of New York Press
Published on 2. January 2020
Book
Paperback/Softback
252 pages
978-1-4384-7402-1 (ISBN)
Description
Examines why some politicians take the drastic step of becoming a carpetbagger and how that shapes their campaigns and chances for victory.
Candidates normally run for office in the places where they live. Occasionally, however, a politician will run as a carpetbagger-someone who moves to a new state for the express purpose of running, or who runs in one state after holding office in another. Stranger in a Strange State examines what makes some politicians take this drastic step and how that shapes their campaigns and chances for victory. Focusing on races for the US Senate from 1964 forward, Christopher J. Galdieri analyzes the campaigns of nine carpetbaggers, including nationally known figures such as Robert F. Kennedy and Hillary Rodham Clinton and less well-known candidates like Elizabeth Cheney and Scott Brown. These case studies draw on archival research, contemporaneous accounts of each campaign, and scholarship on campaigns and representation. While the record reveals that it generally takes national political stature for a carpetbagger to win an election, some recent campaigns suggest that in today's polarized political era, both politicians and state political parties might want to be more open to the prospect of carpetbagging.
Candidates normally run for office in the places where they live. Occasionally, however, a politician will run as a carpetbagger-someone who moves to a new state for the express purpose of running, or who runs in one state after holding office in another. Stranger in a Strange State examines what makes some politicians take this drastic step and how that shapes their campaigns and chances for victory. Focusing on races for the US Senate from 1964 forward, Christopher J. Galdieri analyzes the campaigns of nine carpetbaggers, including nationally known figures such as Robert F. Kennedy and Hillary Rodham Clinton and less well-known candidates like Elizabeth Cheney and Scott Brown. These case studies draw on archival research, contemporaneous accounts of each campaign, and scholarship on campaigns and representation. While the record reveals that it generally takes national political stature for a carpetbagger to win an election, some recent campaigns suggest that in today's polarized political era, both politicians and state political parties might want to be more open to the prospect of carpetbagging.
Reviews / Votes
"This is a fascinating book, compelling the reader to turn the page to learn more about political parties, politicians, campaigns, ambition, and how much of this might fit within our polarized political landscape." - New Books Network"Galdieri's book brings both life and systematic analysis to his case studies. It also takes on the concept of political ambition, seriously engaging the role of political parties in shaping and mitigating ambition. Highly recommended for anyone interested in American parties and elections." - Julia R. Azari, coeditor of The Presidential Leadership Dilemma: Between the Constitution and a Political Party
"This will be the go-to book any time prominent politicians strike out for new territory." - Ross K. Baker, author of Is Bipartisanship Dead? A Report from the Senate
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Albany, NY
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
US School Grade: College Graduate Student and over
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
1 Tables, black and white; 1 Figures
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
415 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4384-7402-1 (9781438474021)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Christopher J. Galdieri
Stranger in a Strange State
The Politics of Carpetbagging from Robert Kennedy to Scott Brown
E-Book
05/2019
1st Edition
De Gruyter
from
€84.99
Available for download
Person
Christopher J. Galdieri is Associate Professor of Politics at Saint Anselm College. He is the coeditor (with Jennifer C. Lucas and Tauna S. Sisco) of several books, including Conventional Wisdom, Parties, and Broken Barriers in the 2016 Election; The Role of Twitter in the 2016 US Election; Political Communication & Strategy: Consequences of the 2014 Midterm Elections; and Races, Reforms, & Policy: Implications of the 2014 Midterm Elections.
Content
List of Illustrations
Acknowledgments
1. Don't Be a Stranger
2. Representation, Localism, Ambition, and Party
3. Robert Kennedy: New York, 1964
4. Hillary Rodham Clinton: New York, 2000
5. Two Would-Be Two-State Senators
6. Four Lesser-Known Carpetbaggers
7. Scott Brown: New Hampshire, 2014
Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography
Index
Acknowledgments
1. Don't Be a Stranger
2. Representation, Localism, Ambition, and Party
3. Robert Kennedy: New York, 1964
4. Hillary Rodham Clinton: New York, 2000
5. Two Would-Be Two-State Senators
6. Four Lesser-Known Carpetbaggers
7. Scott Brown: New Hampshire, 2014
Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography
Index