The elections of 2004 might not have been as protracted as in 2000, but the intensity of political polarization, the impact of money and fundraising, and the interplay of economic, cultural, and security issues were in dramatic effect. An insightful look at the 2004 elections, this highly anticipated volume offers students a road map for teasing out the tension and competition of particular races while giving perspective to the larger trends and implications of the election results. An invaluable resource when imparting the significance of voting and elections in the classroom, instructors can count on The Elections of 2004 for a gripping read and unsurpassed analysis.Michael Nelson brings together a world-class team of contributors, with leading lights Gerald Pomper and Wilson Carey McWilliams new to this edition, along with the additional fresh perspectives from Barry Burden, Nicole Mellow and Marian Currinder.