Swingers: How Presidential Nominees Build Successful Campaigns in Swing States

Abstract

A review of presidential campaign data shows that candidates in every election cycle heavily concentrate campaign activity in swing states. This state-specific activity seeks to connect with varying types of potential voters and garner enough votes to tilt a state's electoral votes in one candidate's favor. This thesis reviews scholarly literature regarding campaigns and their efficacy, the different blocs of voters, the definition and importance of swing states, and campaign strategies. From the review, this paper moves into a study of the effects that field offices, contributions from individuals, television advertising dollars, campaign event spending, state visits by both the presidential and vice presidential candidate, and the June polling margins have on a state-by-state level in delivering electoral votes to a successful presidential nominee. Finally, this thesis makes recommendations, extrapolated from the data, on how to run a successful presidential campaign in swing states.