Just in time for the 2012 elections, this book shows how political parties and interest groups have become highly interdependent in the era of candidate-centered elections, issue advocacy organizations, and media-driven campaigns. With up-to-date data including 2008 and 2010 mid-term results and analysis, this book looks ahead to 2012 in illustrating such important developments as the emergence of the Tea Party, increasingly polarized politics, divided government, social media, lobbying and interest group developments including the passage of health care and financial sector reform legislation, and the impact of the Citizens UnitedSupreme Court decision on campaign finance reform. Parties, Interest Groups, and Political Campaignsprovides one-stop shopping for understanding the new style of American politics.