All Politics Is Local: Why Progressives Must Fight for the States

In this rousing debut, journalist Winter blames the political struggles of the left on “long-term disinvestment” in state and local politics, arguing that transformative political change will only be accomplished by building robust, tenacious progressive organizations in all 50 states. Her reporting on organizing efforts in Missouri, Colorado, and Florida demonstrate the role that cultural polarization and corporate money play in entrenching Republican power, as well as the potential local advocates have demonstrated as they build necessary connections and momentum. Winters also acknowledges the pivotal role that private donors play: the ultra-rich tend to support conservative causes with increasing consistency; wealthy liberal donors tend to donate more sporadically and to causes with personal importance or organizations that have already had some success, rather than struggling state organizations. However, the success of such organizations as the Colorado Roundtable—which coordinated funds and efforts to bolster progressive state groups, garnering a bump in young voter turnout and more progressive candidates in office—proves the value of disciplined long-term investment. Conversely, in Missouri and Florida, which lack progressive organization cultures, progressives struggled to get candidates elected, which eroded voter confidence. Winter’s account is well-reported and reasonable, although switching among the three case studies sometimes undermines the clarity of each state’s narrative. With its emphasis on the power of long-term organization and incremental change, this book will speak deeply to aspiring activists. [em]Agent: Amelia Atlas, ICM Partners. (Oct.) [/em]