"This outstanding volume reminds us that the presidential primary elections of 2008 were watershed events for those who study race, gender, campaign tactics, voter participation, campaign spending, or the institutions that influence election outcomes. The unexpected twists and turns of 2008 left many theories in tatters, and this volume maps out the research agenda as leading scholars of primary campaigns look to the future."—Donald Green, Yale University

The 2008 presidential nominations were unprecedented in many ways. Marking another step in the democratization of the selection process and a surprising loss of control by party elites, the contests in both parties were unusually competitive and the outcomes belied the predictions of experts. This book offers a fresh look at the role of parties, the constraints of campaign finance, the status of front-runners, and the significance of rules, race, and gender in the post-reform era. In this volume, leading scholars assess the state of the process with original research about money, scheduling, superdelegates, and the role of race and gender in voting.

Original analyses show how changes in campaign finance and the scheduling of primaries and caucuses helped determined the outcomes in both parties. Race, once thought of as a handicap, proved an asset for the Obama campaign. 2008 marked another milestone in the democratization of the nominations process with expanded participation by rank and file voters in donating money, voting, and using the Internet. This timely book provides a glimpse into the future of party nominations and elections.

List of Contributors
Andrew E. Busch, Jack Citrin, Richard L. Hasen, Allison R. Hayward, David Karol, Thomas E. Mann, Barbara Norrander, David E. Price, Jennifer Steen

Jack Citrin is the Heller Professor of Political Science and director of the Institute of Governmental Studies at the University of California at Berkeley.

David Karol is assistant professor of political science at the University of California at Berkeley.

Table of Contents: Table of Contents • Introduction by David Karol and Jack Citrin • 1. The Changing Nature of Campaign Financing for Primary Candidates by Richard L. Hasen • 2. Money in 2008: A Collapse of the Campaign Finance Regime? by Thomas E. Mann • 3. Knowns and Unknowns in Campaign Finance by Allison R. Hayward • 4. Assumptions and Realities of Presidential Primary Front-Loading in 2008 by Andrew E. Busch • 5. What Political Scientists May (or May Not) Know about Presidential Nominations by Barbara Norrander • 6. The Rules and the Role of Race and Gender in 2008 by Jennifer Steen • 7. The Way We Choose Presidential Nominees: Problems and Prospects by Rep. David E. Price • References