Dead Man Running

by Rob Curnock

Did you ever wonder what running for an elective office like Congress is really all about? Running for Congress is a world all unto its own, and in today's divided America, it's not for the faint of heart. Dead Man Running clearly shows what can be expected on a personal level in a high-stakes political race. A candidate has to understand the arrows coming at him are unrelenting and dangerous, but it's the arrows that come from behind that can do the most damage. Like a real-life political "Rocky," Dead Man Running takes you behind the scenes and into the heart and mind of one candidate who dared to accept the seemingly impossible challenge, despite the odds. With his own Party's establishment convinced there was no hope of victory, one average American citizen was forced to go it alone with only the help of dedicated grass roots volunteers. Dead Man Running is the true story of an unlikely candidate who challenged a powerful, entrenched congressman and began the chain of events that would bring real change to that district. Written in a reporting style that moves the plot along quickly and holds the reader's attention, Dead Man Running is very prescient in light of what's happening in politics today.

418 pages, Paperback

Published May 19, 2025

Reviews

[John Fidler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A detailed account of campaigns and campaigning.

Anyone considering running for public office must read this book. Especially someone running against an entrenched incumbent. Dead Man Running may be about Republicans, but the situations are universal in party politics. Simply put, this book is about pure grassroots politics versus millionaire power seekers. Dead Man Running will change the way you look at parties, the media and candidates.

Not only is it a captivating true story. It is well written. Often memoirs are tedious, but Dead Man Running is a pleasant read.

[READER NETWORK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead Man Running is a powerful and engaging political story that highlights courage, resilience, and real-world impact. From an organizational standpoint, the book stands out for its authentic, fast-paced narrative and its message that one individual can challenge the system. A compelling and highly relevant read.