"This is an excellent collection of analyses, the most recent in a unique series examining party politics since the early 1990s. The wide range of research findings, dealing with issues ranging from representation to campaign finance, will be essential to students of politics and demonstrates how central the study of party politics is to an understanding of democracy."---Marjorie R. Hershey, Indiana University"I couldn't be more pleased by how well the John C. Gieen and Daniel J. Coffey volume supplements current happenings in politics where textbooks are necessarily weak. This newest edition features the most remarkable group of contributors yet. Each chapter piovides critical insights in helping us make sense of today's rapidly evolvinci patty systein."---Mare Joseph Hetherington, Vanderbilt UniversityEvery four years, The State of the Parties brings readers up to date on party action in election years and in between. With the dual themes of continuity and change characterizing the new edition, this essential party primer includes three new chapters on party roles in the 2008 election, a section on the impact of party resources for the campaign, extensive coverage of party mobilization efforts via the Internet and local activity, and new chapters covering topics ranging from Republicans' fall from grace to party governance under Nancy Pelosi to President Obama's role in party politics, and, as always, a distinguished roster of contributors. Read Less