Laschinger John - Campaign confessions: tales from the war rooms of politics

There is joy in winning, but participating is what matters most in politics, as Lasch, a true insider, reveals in this fascinating account of backroom strategy and drama.

Brian Mulroney , 18th prime minister of Canada

Laschinger, an old pro, wisely observes that the most important element of each organization is the candidate, him or herself.

Bill Davis , 18th premier of Ontario

Only fighter pilots have more thrills than campaign managers. Or, more accelerated ups and downs. John Laschingers participation in a host of Canadian campaigns leadership runs, elections provincial, federal, and municipal has dropped him many times into the vortex of Canadian politics. He has been the coach, organizer, strategist and fashion adviser for some of the first names in the Canadian edition of the worlds oldest blood-sport: politics.

Rex Murphy , Canadian and Newfoundland media gadfly (his word) and icon (my word)

Laschinger has penned a unique and remarkable manual, memoir, and how-to guide for deciding whom to support and how to actually make it work.

Hugh Segal , chief of staff to Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, former senator, and current master of Massey College

John is a master of the techniques and strategies of political campaigning and shares them all in this book. This is a most valuable contribution to Canadian political discourse.

Preston Manning , former leader of Reform Party of Canada and founder of Manning Institute

The book is a master class in winning at electoral politics but it risks making its author obsolete. If I had Laschs book when I ran for national leadership, I might not have needed Lasch!

John Crosbie , provincial and federal Cabinet minister and father of Canada-U.S. Free Trade

Told from the vantage point of the ultimate insider with his unique half-century of political experience, this is a one-of - a -kind book and well worth the read.

Eddie Goldenberg , senior political adviser and chief of staff to Prime Minister Jean Chrtien

When policy wonks and politics convene, wonks listen. Read this book.

Tom Kierans , Canadian business leader and financial, governance, and public policy expert

An insightful analysis of the backrooms of political campaigns over 45 years by one of Canadas most experienced election managers.

Barry Kay , associate professor of political science at Wilfrid Laurier University

Politics requires teamwork. Behind every successful political couple stands a successful campaign manager, and Lasch is one of the best.

Jane Crosbie , John Crosbies partner for 62 years

John Laschinger is the consummate campaign manager. Smart, focused, and never distracted by the crises of the day. Aspiring politicos of all ages would do well to learn from this political master.

Joe Cressy , Toronto city councillor, Trinity-Spadina

John gives us a rare inside look into some of our highest profile elections. He truly is one of Canadas leading political minds and strategist!

Andrew Hodgson , former Ontario PC executive director and long-time political organizer

I can only say a big thank you for providing both the political junkies like me and the broader electorate with your experiences in politics.

Peter Herrndorf , CEO, National Arts Centre

There is no one on the Canadian political scene who knows more about the running of political campaigns it is a foolish candidate who ignores Johns advice. This book will be the bible for future campaign managers.

Bruce Carson , former aide and adviser to Prime Minister Stephen Harper

Copyright

Copyright John Laschinger, 2016

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise (except for brief passages for purpose of review) without the prior permission of Dundurn Press. Permission to photocopy should be requested from Access Copyright.

Editor: Dominic Farrell

Copy editor: Cy Strom

Design: Jennifer Gallinger

Cover design: Sarah Beaudin

Cover image: iStock

Epub Design: Carmen Giraudy

Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication

Laschinger, John, author

Campaign confessions : tales from the war rooms of politics / John Laschinger ; with Geoffrey Stevens ; foreword by Peter Mansbridge.

Includes index.

Issued in print and electronic formats.

ISBN 978-1-4597-3809-6 (hardback).--ISBN 978-1-4597-3653-5 (paperback).-

ISBN 978-1-4597-3654-2 (pdf).--ISBN 978-1-4597-3655-9 (epub)

1. Laschinger, John. 2. Political consultants--Canada--Biography. 3. Campaign management. 4. Political campaigns. 5. Canada--Politics and government. I. Stevens, Geoffrey, 1942-, author II. Mansbridge, Peter, writer

of foreword III. Title.

JF2112.C3L37 2016 324.7092 C2016-903432-1

C2016-903433-X

We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts and the Ontario Arts Council for our publishing program. We also acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Book Fund and Livres Canada Books, and the Government of Ontario through the Ontario Book Publishing Tax Credit and the Ontario Media Development Corporation.

Care has been taken to trace the ownership of copyright material used in this book. The author and the publisher welcome any information enabling them to rectify any references or credits in subsequent editions.

J. Kirk Howard, President

The publisher is not responsible for websites or their content unless they are owned by the publisher.

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