State and Local Elections, Ballot Issues

In addition to presidential campaigns, political consultants are increasingly used in state and local campaigns. Indeed, some political consultants prefer working in these races. This trend has led to the rising cost of statewide, mayoral, and local elections. There has also been a growing politicization of and use of consultants in state and local judicial elections. Enormous amounts of money are also spent on ballot issues, especially in California, with consultants taking a larger role in state ballot initiatives. Finally, consultants have also played a role in recall campaigns. Ballot issue consultants include Richard Woodward and Jack McDowell, Chuck Winner and Paul Mandabach, Wayne Johnson, Fred Kimball, Michael Arno, and Rick Arnold.