Campaign Literature ProjectAn Analysis of Campaign Literature in U.S. Elections, started 1989DEMOCRACY IN ACTION, Eric M. Appleman's nonpartisan effort to educate citizens about the political process, is best known for its work on presidential campaigns, highlighted below. Our longest running endeavor is the Campaign Literature Project, a library of campaign literature from all U.S. Senate and gubernatorial and selected U.S. House races going back to 1989. The project grew out of my studies at The George Washington University, where I graduated from with a B.A. in Political Communication. The goal of the Campaign
Literature
Project is to conduct an academic and historic analysis of these
materials across election
cycles. The
project
looks at themes and
issues highlighted and key words (for example "independent" or
"values")
as well as the photographs, images and graphics used (everything from
are
family shots or formal head shots used, to do the images include flags
or
other symbols, to what colors are the
logos?) on
basic literature pieces. The project encompasses
materials from Democrats, Republicans, third party and independent
candidates; it is not a partisan endeavor. The ultimate
research goal is to see how campaign
literature is evolving and if there are differences from cycle to
cycle. And there are
differences. Since this project began
much has changed in campaign communications; most obviously web sites
now provide an easy way for citizens to find out about
campaigns. The ascendence of the web has led to small and large
changes in campaign literature. For example, campaigns now
include the website address on lit. pieces, and tri-fold brochures have
given way more and more to palm cards. This cycle many campaigns
have added Facebook and Twitter logos to their lit. pieces. In
terms of major themes and issues, each cycle is different. For
example, immediately following 9/11, national security was a major
concern; this
cycle jobs and the economy are key themes. Even in this Internet era, the core pieces of campaign literature handed out to voters during canvasses and at events are still important, and they are the focus of this project. 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, leaflets, pamphlets, plans, and palm cards that they distribute to voters in the general election campaign. This cycle we're looking at 37 gubernatorial races,
37
Senate races, and all major
House candidates. That's a lot of ground to cover and we
appreciate your timely response. If you have any questions
whatsoever,
please call (202 462-0145) or e-mail (action08@gmail.com). Please send 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. If you could include a couple of lapel stickers that would also be helpful, but the main focus is the literature. DEMOCRACY IN ACTION Thank you for your assistance and good luck on November 2! 
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