January 16, 2008

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) experts are available to provide insight and commentary on topics related to the 2008 presidential race, including political campaign communications, polling, campaign strategies, public opinion about the parties, women and politics and the Electoral College. For interviews, contact: Gail Short, UAB Office of Media Relations, at 205-934-8931 or at gshort@uab.edu.

CAMPAIGN COMMUNICATIONS, POLLING, POLITICAL ADS

Larry Powell, Ph.D. – Powell is a professor in the UAB Department of Communication Studies. He is co-author of the book “Political Campaign Communication: Inside and Out.” Powell has conducted numerous statewide opinion polls. He also has worked as a press secretary and speechwriter and has been a consultant for dozens of congressional, state and local political candidates in Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee, South Carolina and Texas. He has been ranked as one of the top 100 communication researchers in the nation by the Association of Communication Administrators.

THE CANDIDATES, INTEREST GROUPS, THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE

Holly Brasher, Ph.D. – Brasher is an assistant professor in the UAB Department of Government. Her research focuses on the presidency, interest groups, public opinion about the parties and the Electoral College. She is co-author of the book “Organized Interests and American Government.”

WOMEN AND POLITICS, THE ABORTION DEBATE

Michele Wilson, Ph.D. – Wilson is an associate professor in the UAB Department of Sociology and she directs the Women’s Studies Program. Her current research is on abortion with an emphasis on early and late decision makers. Related projects include studying leaders in the abortion debate.