Getting Elected is the Easy Part: Working and Winning in the State Legislature

by Karen Keiser, Elizabeth Shuler (Foreword by)

Overview

Across the nation every two years, first-time lawmakers enter state legislatures—institutions steeped in tradition, arcane procedures, and unwritten rules. Although dozens of publications advise candidates on how to run and win campaigns, for those elected, few resources exist. After more than twenty years in the Washington State Legislature, Senator Karen Keiser realized she could address that knowledge gap. Written for legislative newcomers and others interested in state government, her book blends documented research with her personal experiences and observations about how to succeed and achieve real change. She focuses on the culture adjustment and challenges many newly elected lawmakers face, and offers tips and advice to help them achieve their legislative goals.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781638640110
Publisher:	Washington State University Press
Publication date:	07/06/2023
Pages:	170
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Broadcast journalist Karen Keiser became the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO's communications director, then won her first election in 1996. Appointed to the Washington State Senate in 2001, she has been re-elected five times. Currently Senate President Pro Tempore and chair of the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee, and past chair of the Health and Long Term Care Committee, she played a major role in achieving paid family and medical leave and implementing the Affordable Care Act.

Elizabeth Shuler is the AFL-CIO President.

Table of Contents

Contents

I. Glossary
II. Foreword
III. Introduction
IV. Prologue
1. What Was I Thinking?
2. Early Lessons
3. What Is Your Legislative Path?
4. Making Sausage
5. From Rhetoric to Reality
6. Behind Closed Doors
7. Across the Aisle
8. Beyond the Chambers
9. In the Margins
10. Passing the Torch
11. #Metoo
12. Balancing Work and Family
13. Finding Your Niche
14. Compromising Without Compromising Your Values
15. Money, Money, Money
16. Staying In Tune
17. Watch Your Back and Keep Score
18. Gucci Loafers
19. You Can Call Me Madam President
20. You Really Can Change the World
21. A Case in Point
22. Blue Skies, Dark Clouds
Epilogue
Bibliography

Editorial Reviews

"For the aspiring novice or the seasoned lobbyist, this book is a necessity. For women and people of color it is a must read."

—Dr. Bernal Carlos Baca, Executive Director, Mi Centro

"One of the best guides to understanding the legislative experience as a new legislator…Brava Senator Keiser."

—T'wina Nobles, M.A.T., Washington State Senator and co-founder, blackfuturewa.org

"A behind-the-scenes guidebook…As a talented and experienced lawmaker herself, Keiser skillfully provides a roadmap for how to navigate complex dynamics in State Legislatures and ultimately create change."

—Pramila Jayapal, Congresswoman, Washington's 7th Congressional District

"Part how-to guide on pushing policy into law, and part personal tell-all, Getting Elected is the Easy Part is full of spectacularly helpful tips and advice for getting to the real change we all need."

—Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, author and Executive Director of MomsRising

"A realistic, in-depth look at how the legislative process really works. It explains why a true progressive should care about state government rather than relying on the federal government."

—Sam Reed, former Washington Secretary of State

From the Publisher