Finding Common Ground - by Dave Bishop (Paperback)

About the Book

A pragmatic guide to the legislative process, with proven techniques for legislating from the minority side of the aisle--and powerful insights on how collaboration makes for better lawmaking.

Book Synopsis

A pragmatic guide to the legislative process, with proven techniques for legislating from the minority side of the aisle-and powerful insights on how collaboration makes for better lawmaking.

Review Quotes

"Dave Bishop's book should be required reading for all legislators. He is right--severe partisanship does threaten the very nature of democratic government. His concentration on details like humor, persistence, bill wording, and vote counting, with historic examples, is priceless."
Minnesota State Representative Phyllis Kahn


"Finding Common Ground is a refreshing antidote to our current era of ideological and partisan gridlock in government. Dave Bishop provides vivid instruction about the importance and utility of legislative pragmatism. It's a vital lesson too often overlooked by a cynical public, political activists, and a media that overplays conflict and scandal."
Steven E. Schier, Congdon Professor of Political Science, Carleton College

"Legislating is a creative and dynamic process involving values, judgments, trade-offs, personalities, turf, drama, and more. Dave Bishop navigated all of it with charm, flair, intelligence, and dogged persistence. Anyone who cares about the legislative process will benefit from reading this book."
Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty