Political debate author provides well-rounded commentary — Dr. David Lanoue, professor and chair of political science, can provide expert commentary on various political issues from the presidential race to key in-state races to factors like voter turn-out and poll bounces following conventions. Lanoue, author of "From Camelot to the Teflon President" and co-author of "The Joint Press Conference: The History, Impact, and Prospects of American Presidential Debates," may be reached at 205/348-5981, 205/310-1863 or dlanoue@bama.ua.edu.

Veteran commentator ready for another election — For decades, reporters have turned to Dr. William "Bill" Stewart, professor emeritus of political science, when they were in need of a quote or sound bite on a variety of political issues. Stewart, who is an expert on Alabama’s constitution, may be reached at 205/556-3043 or wm300@bellsouth.net.

How are candidates portrayed in political cartoons? Janis Edwards, associate professor of communication studies, is an expert on political cartoons and can be reached at 205/348-8074 or jedwards@ccom.ua.edu.

What can we expect from political advertising this election year? Political Action Committees are spending increasingly large amounts of money on television advertisements. Some liberal PACs have already spent almost as much as candidate John Kerry. Political advertising expert Dr. Karen Cartee says that advertising will become much more controversial and polarizing in coming months. A frequent state and national commentator on political campaigns, Cartee, professor of advertising and public relations, can be reached at 205/348-8844, 205/345-2861 or cartee@apr.ua.edu.

Impact of Iraq on elections — Between weapons of mass destruction claims, prisoner abuse scandals and the capture of Saddam Hussein, the Iraqi war and its aftermath will be forever linked with President George Bush. Dr. Donald Snow, professor of political science and an expert in terrorism and military affairs, says it’s difficult to underestimate the impact Iraq will have on November’s presidential elections. "This administration is going to rise or fall based on the situation in Iraq next fall," says Snow. The situation in Iraq will likely deteriorate further, he says, and the Bush administration is gambling this deterioration will occur after the election, rather than during the weeks immediately prior to it. Snow, who has recently authored two books dealing with U.S. foreign policy, may be reached at 205/348-3808, 205/556-5745 or dsnow622@aol.com. Prior to July 25, Snow is reachable at 843/682-2765.

What will voters consider as they decide whether Republican control of Congress will continue? From a minority of crucial voters who actually prefer the gridlock of split control of Congress, to the polarizing style of the president, to the public’s opinion on the necessity of the war and the state of the economy, which factors will weigh heaviest on voters’ minds as they vote for Congressional candidates? Dr. Carol Cassel, professor of political science, 205/348-3805 or 205/758-5978, and Dr. Stephen Borrelli, associate professor of political science, 205/348-3802, 205/292-2372 or sborrell@bama.ua.edu, are available to discuss these factors as well as other aspects of the national races and political parties.

Have we seen the death of objective journalism? Are leading questions and other hallmarks of lazy journalism the norm? Opinion is more frequently being masked as hard news and is being passed off as such. Contact Dr. Ed Mullins, professor and chair of the journalism department and veteran newspaper reporter, at 205/348-8592, 205/349-2006 and mullins@jn.ua.edu.

How accurate are the political polls, and do voters’ opinions fluctuate as much as polls appear to indicate? Dr. Patrick Cotter, professor of political science, can discuss polling, including those ever present "margin of error" disclaimers, the methods and tactics used in asking questions, the demographics of respondents and how these polls help candidates with campaign strategy. Cotter may be reached at 205/348-5505, 205/750-8101 or pcotter@tenhoor.as.ua.edu.

FCC Section 315 rules on equal time — Dr. Loy Singleton, professor and chair of the telecommunications and film department, says that the equal time rules are extremely complex and create confusion. Political advertisements bring in needed ad dollars, but how do you know if you’re following the rules? Reach Singleton after July 19 at 205/348-6350 or loy.singleton@ua.edu.

First Amendment and Indecency — First Amendment expert Dr. Matt Bunker, professor of journalism, is able to speak to issues surrounding the mounting pressure on the FCC to better police television and radio. Stances by political candidates on these types of fringe issues will be important to voters in the fall. Contact Bunker at 205/348-8616 or bunker@jn.ua.edu.

Legal Issues in the Electoral Process — Hugh Lee, director of the Elder Law and Civil Clinic Programs at the UA School of Law, can discuss voter identification laws, the electoral process and challenges to it. Lee has written articles on election law, including the Florida Bush-Gore election dispute in 2000. Contact Lee at 205/348-7896 or hlee@law.ua.edu.