This volume features primary texts, translated into English, concerning Cicero's campaign to become consul in 63 BCE. The primary texts include two letters to Atticus, selections from two speeches, Asconius’ commentary on Cicero's candidacy speech, and Cicero's ‘A Short Guide to Electioneering’. Cicero's rise to power and his growing influence among all sectors of the electorate were unheard of for a novus homo, but, of course, political rivalries and jealousy emerged during his ascendency. In this contest for the consulship, Cicero faced two notable rivals, both of Patrician stock, L. Sergius Catalina and C. Antonius. In speeches during his candidacy, Cicero hinted at dark rumours of corruption circling around both of his rival candidates. Cicero maintained the support of his own class – the wealthy Equites – while also gaining support from among the Optimates, despite being a commoner himself. Cicero and Antonius emerge victorious and serve as consuls in 63 BCE. Cicero's consulship of 63 BCE was particularly notable, of course, for his conflict with the patrician Lucius Sergius Catalina. The contentious political environment leading up to Cicero's consulship of 63 BCE certainly leads one to think that not much has changed in politics. This anthology is an excellent resource for students and teachers alike about a contentious time period that is certainly deserving to be studied today.