Dennis W. Johnson is Professor Emeritus of Political Management at George Washington University. He is the author of "No Place for Amateurs: How Political Consultants are Reshaping America."

"[Johnson] succeeds in connecting the folklore of political history with the chronology of campaign professionalization, providing a useful timeline of the people, campaigns, and events that demonstrate consultants' influence in American political development." --Congress & the Presidency

"A fascinating, enlightening book that will inform serious citizens and delight students." --Larry J. Sabato, Director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics

"Democracy for Hire is the new gold standard in the history of political consulting." --David Dulio, Professor of Political Science, Oakland University

"Dennis Johnson's Democracy for Hire: A History of American Political Consulting is the best academic book on campaign consulting in existence. His systematic analysis of the role of campaign professionals in American democracy stems from careful scholarship and insider's wisdom from his experience as a campaign manager. This book is necessary reading for anyone interested in the evolution and characteristics of U.S. election campaigns." --James A. Thurber, Director and Distinguished Professor, Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies, American University

"In this richly detailed narrative, Dennis Johnson combines insider knowledge with scholarly analysis to explain how consultants brought about a revolution in the strategies and tactics used to win elections. Democracy for Hire is essential to understanding what's right and what's wrong about the ways campaigns are conducted, and the role of professional consultants in our democracy." --Anthony Corrado, Professor of Government, Colby College

"Bringing the hidden world of political consulting out from the shadows, Democracy for Hire charts the rise and role of campaign professionals across all levels of elections and government. Offering an in-depth review of over a century of practice, the book helps us understand the profoundly impactful contributions political advisors make to politics by providing strategic marketing and communication skills which are essential to anyone hoping to win office." --Jennifer Lees-Marshment, The University of Auckland

"This extensive account of such a vital part of the modern political system makes for an accessible read, fit for academics and the general voter alike." --Publishers Weekly

"With Democracy for Hire, Dennis Johnson has proven himself a modern Vasari, writing the biographies of great campaigns and art criticism of the business of political consulting... [I]t isn't a quick read but will be an exceptionally rewarding one for scholars and politicians alike." --Times Higher Education