Description: "New England politics can, at first blush, appear monochromatic. After all, only one member of the entire region's current delegation to the US Congress is a Republican; in contrast, only two states in the region-Rhode Island and Connecticut-had Democratic senators in 1948. Yet a closer examination of the region today reveals fascinating variation. Liberal policies, greater diversity, and engaged social movements are reshaping stereotypical Yankee tendencies. This compelling volume captures both the political history and contemporary moment and exposes the surprisingly varied civic landscape. This book argues that New England is and always has been an important part of the national puzzle, from demonstrating democratic principles in early America to producing major present-day figures such as Elizabeth Warren, Ayanna Pressley, and Susan Collins. The shifts at work mirror similar transformations in the South but have received much less attention. This important collection corrects that omission by profiling movements and candidates, revealing rhetoric (from activists to pundits), and exploring demographics and voting in each state as well as the region as a whole"--
Review Quotes:
"This book makes a tremendous addition to understanding state and local government. It specifically captures how national parties' stances on issues differ from the region's outlook in politics. This is a critical intervention because there is little modern scholarship in this area, and many outsiders and the media tend to frame New England as simply a 'blue' region."--Jonathan L. Wharton, author of Democracy in New England: A Community Politics Reader
"Combining the forces of some of New England's best political scientists, More than Blue, More than Yankee offers a detailed and comprehensive account of New England's shifting partisan dynamics over the last century. A necessary, compelling, and well-executed book."--John Cluverius, University of Massachusetts Lowell