When I first wrote The Campaign Manual in 1981, I attempted to provide the reader with a basic guide to the fundamentals of the political campaign process. In fact, it was originally written as an internal manual for campaigns on which I was consulting. Later, I was encouraged to develop it into a book that could be used by candidates who, in all probability, could not afford to hire a Political Campaign Consultant, nonetheless, still needed basic guidance in the fundamentals of managing a well organized and effective political campaign. I have shown the concepts, methods, and techniques that are a part of the foundation of political campaigning and that would be of value and interest to not only candidates, but to individuals with a general knowledge and interest in the political campaign process.

I have been pleasantly surprised since writing the manual, at the broad spectrum of users who have found The Campaign Manual to be interesting and educational. Candidates at all levels, challengers and incumbents alike, have used the book. Directors of political action committees, associations, unions, and staff members of the national, state, and local political parties are among the list of users. Libraries, colleges, and universities throughout the country were quick to put the manual on their shelves. Many professors have made it a standard in their political science classes in spite of the fact that The Campaign Manual was never intended to be the campaign management textbook in the scholastic sense that it has become. Most of all, I have been especially pleased by the number of my fellow Political Campaign Consultants, both here and in Canada, who have used The Campaign Manual. Many of them have used the book as it was originally intended, i.e. to train campaign staff on "how to" operate a successful political campaign. Some have used it as a selection tool by lending it to prospective clients with the understanding that, if after reading it they were still determined to run for office, then they would talk further about getting together. Finally, some have paid the highest compliment of all by taking the time to let me know that they too gained knowledge for having read it. My sincerest thanks to all.

In this revised and updated 6th Edition, I have combined the relevant material from The Campaign Strategy and The Finance Manual into a single book. I have also updated relevant data in all areas of campaign management in the Millenium. I have responded to suggestions to elaborate on job descriptions, computerizing the campaign, campaign management software, the use of the Internet, and the campaigning process in general. I have spent more time discussing the variables in campaigning situations. You will also find some new material about the changes that have occurred as a result of new technology developed since earlier editions. In addition, we have invested much time and energy into making the reference aspects of the manual much more "user friendly."

I would appreciate reading your comments about the value of this Manual to you, and, as always would enjoy your suggestions on how I might continue to improve future editions. Keep in mind that The Campaign Manual is a general guideline on the development, finance, organization, and management of a winning campaign. It is by no means intended to cover every possible campaign situation. It will, however, assist you in understanding the process, and enable you to make the necessary extensions into your own specific campaign.

The Campaign Manual is also qualified as applicable for the democratic process in the international arena. It can be used with cultural adaptations, in the promotion of the democratic political and electoral process in emerging societies. It is being used in 33 countries throughout the world.

Finally, it is with pride and pleasure that I am able to announce the release of the initial version of our campaign management software application, GOTV Campaign Optimizer.

GOTV Campaign Optimizer has been written and programmed to mirror the logic and strategy taught in The Campaign Manual. To my knowledge, it is the first campaign management software that has been written and produced by a professional campaign management consultant, specifically for campaign management.