Experts Available: Political Scientists Offer Expertise on 2012 Election
September 25th, 2012
The views and opinions expressed in this “for expert comment” release are based on research and/or opinions of the researcher(s) and/or faculty member(s) and do not reflect the University’s official stance.
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Political experts at the University of Missouri are available to assist reporters on several issues relevant to the 2012 elections.
Robin Best, assistant professor of political science
Topics: New political groups; European politics and elections
Contact: 573-882-0125; bestre@missouri.edu
Best’s research focuses on elections and politics in advanced democracies, especially Europe. She studies the rise and influence of new political groups, such as environmentalists and radical-right populists.
William Horner, associate professor of political science
Topics: Media’s influence on politics; Humor’s effect on public image
Contact: 573-882-6510; hornerwt@missouri.edu
The interplay between political figures and the media is Horner’s area of expertise. He can discuss how political humor affects public perceptions of politicians and thereby influences their careers. Horner also studies how media coverage influenced legislation on segregation and gun control. Horner wrote books on all of these topics, including Ohio’s Kingmaker: Mark Hanna, Man and Myth.
Mitchell McKinney, associate professor of communications
Topics: Presidential debates; political communications
Contact: cell: (573)-489-9709, office: (573) 882-9230; McKinneyM@missouri.edu
McKinney has served as a staff member in the U.S. Senate and the White House and as a consultant to C-SPAN and the U.S. Commission on Presidential Debates. His academic expertise is in political communications, especially presidential debates, and the intersection of media & politics.
S. David Mitchell, associate professor of law
Topics: Voter identification laws and policies
Contact: (573) 882-8113; MitchellSD@missouri.edu
Mitchell’s interdisciplinary study of criminal law incorporates his academic training as a sociologist and legal scholar. His research focus is on issues related to felon disenfranchisement and reentry, including their voting rights.
Michael Minta, assistant professor of political science
Topics: African-American and Latino politics
Contact: 573-882-7873; mintam@missouri.edu
Minta focuses on the representation of African-American and Latino interests in the national legislature and how minority members have influenced Congress.
Marvin Overby, professor of political science
Topics: Campaign advertising, Minority politics; Congressional issues
Contact: 573-882-2130; overby@missouri.edu
Minority politics, especially related to blacks and homosexuals, is one of Overby’s areas of expertise. He has expertise in campaign advertising, especially radio advertisements. He is knowledgeable on issues relating to Congress, such as the public’s opinion of congressional leaders and state legislatures.
John Petrocik, professor of political science
Topics: Social influences on politics; Candidate’s agenda-setting ability
Contact: 573-882-2843; petrocikj@missouri.edu
Petrocik’s research examines the influence of social forces and group decision-making on politics as well as how social divisions drive elections. He has studied the ability of candidates to set the agenda of political discourse and co-authored Unconventional Wisdom: Facts and Myths About American Voters.
Richard Reuben, James Lewis Parks Professor of Law
Topics: Campaign finance law; Election law; Voting rights
Contacts: 573-884-5204; reubenr@missouri.edu
Reuben’s areas of expertise include the legal issues surrounding elections such as campaign finance, voting rights, and contested elections.
Peverill Squire, professor of political science
Topics: Legislature behavior and history; Political careers
Contact: 573-882-0097; squirep@missouri.edu
Squire’s research has observed how Congress and other legislative bodies have changed over time. His knowledge extends to the intersection between political careers and governmental institutions.