Drawn from cutting-edge research by leading scholars in the field, this book focuses on the major obstacles politicians must confront when competing in congressional elections. The book examines candidate emergence strategy and targeting, fund-raising guidelines, negative advertising and voter mobilization. It provides readers with a manageable perspective on congressional elections and real-life American politics, enhancing readers' ability to make the connections between the theory and practice of politics. The essays address the campaign process and decision-making, the candidates, campaign finances, campaign staff and voter communication techniques. For individuals interested in the election process and political campaigning.