Almanac of American Politics 2000

If you have an interest in American Politics, you must have this guide. The bio information, history, and comments alone on each Congressmen, Senator, and Governer alone make it must have. Plus information such as past election results, committee assignments and political ratings.

Also, it provides political insight and backround on each state and congressional district itself. As I said, its a must read.

The writing is lively, the facts comprehensive, and with online updates included with the purchase, it's irreplacable as a Congressional reference.

... and her politics than by reading this book. Barone and Ujifusa's Almanac serves not only as "the Bible of American politics," providing a wealth of information on our Senators and representatives, but paints memorable portraits of culture and society in all of America's states and in each of our country's 435 Congressional districts. If you have read Barone's classic, Our Country, you will remember his thesis that culture, ethnicity and geography (rather than economic status) are the driving forces behind Americans' political choices. Barone's detailed sketches of individual American communities illuminate these geographic and cultural rifts. Better than any other work I've seen, the Almanac explains WHY the politics of San Francisco is different than that of rural Kansas or Appalachian Kentucky.

I have enjoyed several editions of this book. They make excellent references, for when you want some background on some congressman or Senator who is in the news, who you might not be too familiar with. The descriptions of the local districts are very interesting, and in cases where I am familiar with the districts, I have found the write-ups to be remarkably fair and accurate, written in a pithy "Zagats" style perhaps. The criticism of "bias" from other reviewers, I feel is unfounded. The authors do characterize the politicians tendencies, but that is key to the value of the book, they do not mock or poke fun, just inform. Only problem is that they should publish the new editions FASTER after the November elections. Since most incumbents are re-elected, they should, in my opinion, come out with new edition by Jan after Nov elections.

As a student studying political science, I found this book an incredible asset to writing political reports and seeking internships. It includes appx. 2 pages per Governor, Senator, and Representative, along with their voting record, district information, and a picture of them. Excellent reference book, yet be aware that it is SLIGHTLY opinionated...