Since this project was begun much has changed in campaign communications; most obviously web sites now provide an easy way for citizens to find out about campaigns. However, the focus of this project remains those basic pieces of campaign literature handed out to voters during canvasses and at events. If I were to walk into your campaign headquarters, what would I find? We ask each campaign to send their "best stuff," that is the standard brochures and palm cards that they distribute to voters.
This is an academic analysis which generalizes across the types of literature: Republican gubernatorial candidates, Democratic Senate candidates, and so forth. It looks at themes and issues highlighted, key words (for example "independent" or "values"), and the photographs and images used (for example, are there flags or other symbols, family shots or formal head shots and so forth) on the basic lit. pieces. As noted, we've been working on this for close to two decades; the ultimate research goal is to see how campaign literature is evolving and if there are differences from cycle to cycle.
This cycle we're looking at 12
gubernatorial races, 35
Senate races, and close
House races. That's a lot of ground to cover and we
appreciate your response. If you have any questions whatsoever,
please call (202 462-0145) or e-mail (action@gwu.edu).
Here's the address for examples of your basic general election
brochures/palm
cards/flyer/lit.pieces, your best stuff, if possible two (2) of each,
via U.S. Mail in a flat envelope:
DEMOCRACY IN ACTION
Attn: Eric M. Appleman
P.O. Box 19007
Washington, DC 20036-9007.
Thank you for your assistance.