Description
The only guidebook of its kind, Getting Elected is the Easy Part helps first-time lawmakers, members of both parties, lobbyists, and other elected officials navigate 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, seasoned Washington State Senator Karen Keiser blends documented research with her personal experiences and observations from more than twenty years in the Washington State Legislature. She covers legislative processes, diversity-related considerations, allies and constituents, lobbyists’ roles, and more, paying particular attention to the culture adjustment and challenges many newly elected lawmakers face, and offering tips and advice to help them meet their legislative goals and achieve real change.
After working as a broadcast journalist in Portland, Denver, and Seattle, Karen Keiser became the communications director for the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO. She served in the House of Representatives, winning her first election in 1996. She was appointed to the Washington State Senate in 2001, and has been re-elected five times. Currently Senate President Pro Tempore and chair of the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee, and former chair of the Health and Long Term Care Committee, she is recognized for her role in achieving paid family and medical leave and successful implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Her suburban district includes several cities south of Seattle.
“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
Illustrations / index / 6” x 9” / 170 pages / ISBN 978-1-63864-011-0 (2023)
Recognition
“Phenomenal! I will be buying it for all of my new folks who win in November. Thanks for writing it!”—Steve Yeager, Speaker of the Nevada House of Representatives
“Getting Elected is the Easy Part is a behind-the-scenes guidebook for the increasingly diverse next generation of lawmakers. 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
“‘Insight’ is the word that best describes Senator Karen Keiser’s book. For the novice aspiring to become a political leader or for 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
“‘Once you get elected, then what?’ This book helps guide and answer questions that new legislators have about how to navigate legislating. As we elect more and more women of color, people who have not traditionally come from the political world, it is crucial we provide them with the information to ensure their success. This book does exactly that.”—Manka Dhingra, Washington State Senator, Deputy Majority Leader, and Chair, Senate Law and Justice Committee
“There are many rules and norms of our Washington State Legislature. What I have learned my short time as a state senator is that many of these rules and norms are not written. You simply have to be here to experience it. Senator Keiser’s book has been one of the best guides to understanding the legislative experience as a new legislator. I hope many will read this book for a little insight on what it’s like to serve as a Washington State Senator. Brava Senator Keiser.”—T’wina Nobles, M.A.T., Washington State Senator, and co-founder, blackfuturewa.org
“Karen Keiser fights for workers and human rights and higher education and has helped make us to make Washington State a progressive and good place to live. We are so much better off as a result. Her book can help others do the same!”—Michael Honey, University of Washington Tacoma Founding Faculty, Radcliffe/Harvard Institute fellow, Chair Emeritus of the University of Washington Harry Bridges Labor Studies Center, and author, To the Promised Land: Martin Luther King and the Fight for Economic Justice.
“State wins for paid family and medical leave have forged the path to an eventual national program in the U.S. Driving those wins are crucial partnerships between grassroots coalitions and state legislative champions. Karen Keiser has been a stalwart among the champions, centering those most impacted by the lack of time to care and organizing colleagues to enact meaningful change. Senator Keiser’s book is a valuable guide to help more women who lead with their values get elected and succeed in passing the policies their communities need.”—Ellen Bravo, co-founder and strategic advisor, Family Values @ Work
“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
Read the full review in Food Safety News
