The political campaigning handbook : real life lessons from the front line

Not for nothing are elections called campaigns. At every stage there is a direct analogy with the military equivalent and the language and vocabulary are often identical.

A general election campaign, like a military campaign, is usually planned in advance in the minutest detail.

This planning is captured in a tome known, yes, you guessed it - as the War Book.

The campaign is conducted in one giant open room known as the War Room.

Party strategists discuss the danger of being outflanked on the left - or the right. And much of the talk is of making ground against the opposition.

From the top-down of the political party campaign machine, Lionel Zetter, a veteran of many a campaign, describes the steps necessary to win those all-important seats.

Whether you are fighting for parliamentary, local or council positions, every stage of the combat is described; from the bureaucracy surrounding the selection process, to the timetable that must be followed to keep your application on track, and cunning tactics to fill up both the coffers of the war chest and the lists of constituents who pledge their vote.

Every general wants the best people in his army.The Handbook describes the team that you need to build around you and how to draw from their strengths and the time they have available for your cause. Zetter discusses the running of a successful War Room which is vital for communications to the front line during canvassing and especially for the last few hours where as many voters as possible are urged to mark that box, preferably next to your party!

Getting your name known is also vital. The local press can be used to your own advantage to spread your views and show your motivation to represent the area.

Zetter highlights the importance of the campaign poster and the simple rosette; both a must for your kit bag.

The personal tips learned from hard years of campaigning and tramping the trails are invaluable.

What do you do if a dog bites your hand as you put a leaflet through the door?

How do you get rained soaked flyers through letterboxes with draught excluders in them? And as for the constituent who opened the door in nothing but a towel ? what then? Just a few of the situations that Zetter has had to contend with, and that can face any intrepid campaigner.For all the planning and all of the optimism that goes in to election campaigns, it is very rare for a surgical strike or a Blitzkrieg to succeed. Most election campaigns end up like the Somme, with mud and blood all over the place, and nobody fully knowing what they or the enemy re doing in the thick fog of war.

This book provides the reader with an expert guide through this dangerous warzone to lead them to election victory, it is an essential part of any campaigner's armory.