Keith Gaddie has written a wonderful book about the new era of self-starting candidates and their experiences in campaigning and governing at the state legislative level. It is a fast-paced combination of intriguing personal stories, detailed research, and insightful conclusions. . . . Most definitely, two thumbs up.

Rhodes Cook, author of America Votes and former senior political writer, Congressional Quarterly

In Born to Run, Keith Gaddie displays a solid knowledge of political science, American history, and grass-roots politics as it's actually practiced in such disparate locales as Georgia, Oklahoma, Maine, and Wisconsin. He's also got a good ear for the personal narrative in this highly readable and very informative book.

Hastings Wyman, Editor/Publisher, Southern Political Report

Given that America's weak organizational parties leave much of politics subject to the ambition of potential officeholders, this book offers fresh insight into a much neglected question in American campaign and electoral politics. Highly recommended.

Choice Reviews

Keith Gaddie has done us a great service in undertaking the extensive effort that was required to research and write this book. He points us toward the vital importance of a qualitative understanding of politics. . . . He shows us that the American politcal system has the great virtue of attracting young citizens to public life and giving them a chance to succeed.

Booknotes

Keith Gaddie brings scholarship, a keen observer's eye, and political savvy to these fascinating, close-up studies of nine young politicians-their ambitions, calculations, campaigns, triumphs, and disappointments. For any young person thinking about getting involved in electoral politics and wondering, 'What's it like?' this engaging book is the place to begin.

Richard Fenno, University of Rochester