You can't keep other candidates from 'poaching on your turf'. [=from trying to get voters who usually vote for you or your party to vote for them]
In chapter two, the author is on unfamiliar 'turf'. [=is dealing with an unfamiliar subject]
Synthetic 'turf' was installed in the playing field instead of grass.
(..) Have Birch and Rasmussen seen this? Not yet. I wanted you to be the first to have a look. I'll schedule a time for you to fill in the president. Oh, no, no, no. That is your turf, Linda. You should do that. - Thank you, Frank. - My pleasure. Thank you. - I so apologize for everything-- (..)2013 TvShow: House of Cards Title: Chapter 2 Season: 1 Episode 2