Philadelphia Battlefields

“‘All politics is local,’ Tip O’Neill famously said, and I can think of no better guide to the local politics of Philadelphia than John Kromer. In Philadelphia Battlefields, he takes us through a series of ‘disruptive campaigns’ and makes a compelling case for what they can teach us today. Kromer balances details that will appeal to political junkies with the wisdom that he has accumulated over the years as one of the city’s most distinguished public servants. And his message is clear: politics in Philadelphia will only be as effective as you and I are committed to making it.”
—Steven Conn, W. E. Smith Professor of History, Miami University, and author of Metropolitan Philadelphia: Living with the Presence of the Past

"Kromer’s analysis of Philadelphia’s political and electoral dynamics is impressive. There has been much written and said on the surface about successful and unsuccessful political campaigns by insurgent candidates since the 1950s, but Kromer’s linkage of mobilization strategies and activism to the electoral process is new and engaging. The rigor of his analysis of voting data, coupled with his own insights, brings a needed richness to the story. Philadelphia Battlefields should inspire citizens to be more politically aware and engaged in their local and state elections as well as at the grassroots level.”
—David L. Cohen, Senior Executive Vice President, Comcast Corporation

" (A) must read for anyone interested in Philadelphia politics. Its detailed observations and thoughtful analysis are likely to be of interest to political scientists and historians." ."
— The Chestnut Hill Local

" (A) must read for anyone who enjoys the history of Philadelphia politics, and/or wants to understand why some campaigns win, and some do not.... Of particular value is the analysis of political upsets. Kromer points out several common characteristics that come into play when an unknown candidate beats a well-funded opponent, especially an incumbent."
— The Philadelphia Public Record

"The book is a good resource for any Philadelphian who wants to understand our city better. But if you want to challenge the status quo—whether as an outsider worki ng to influence policy and political leaders, or by aiming for public office—Philadelphia Battlefields is essential reading."
—The Shuttle

“(Kromer) describes the changing landscape of local politics in Philadelphia…. (S)ubjects include the role of ward organizations and the typical path to local judicial posts (controlled by ward leaders), and how some politicians (notably Chaka Fattah) have managed to emerge despite being outsiders. While the Democratic ward system appears to dominate, the reality is a bit more complex, as outsiders can still prevail, sometimes with the support of ward leaders. Kromer suggests that greater political awareness on the part of the electorate could lead to more responsive politics. For those interested in how local politics really works, this book will be invaluable. Summing Up: Highly recommended."
— Choice

" Kromer makes a compelling case that what happens at the municipal level matters deeply—not only as a source of policies that immediately and directly affect people lives, but also as a source of political talent that will feed the pipeline to higher office.... There is hope on these pages, and a call to action.... Kromer has provided an invaluable guide on how the outsider can get inside."
— Journal of Urban Affairs