These University of Alabama sources are available for commentary now and through the November elections:

Veteran political commentator – For three decades, reporters have turned to Dr. William “Bill” Stewart, professor emeritus of political science, when they were in need of commentary on a variety of political issues. Stewart, who is an expert on Alabama governors, may be reached at 205/310-2982 or wm300@comcast.net.

The ‘usual suspects’ of politics – Dr. David Lanoue, professor and chair of political science, expects the big issues in the Alabama elections will be “the usual suspects: education, taxation, employment, and economic development.” Lanoue can provide expert commentary on various other state and national political issues and may be reached at 205/348-5981, 205/310-1863 or dlanoue@bama.ua.edu.

Women in politics – Dr. Janis Edwards, associate professor of communication studies, has special expertise in gender issues in politics and can be reached at 205/348-8074, 205/507-7638 or jedwards@bama.ua.edu. Edwards is also an expert on political cartoons.

Political advertising expected to be ‘deep and dirty’ – Dr. Karen Cartee expects a wide range of campaign strategies to go along with the wide range of gubernatorial candidates. A frequent commentator on political campaigns, Cartee, professor of advertising and public relations, can be reached at 205/799-0693 or cart3912@bellsouth.net.
Dr. Gary Copeland, chair of the department of telecommunications and film, is widely known for his research in political advertising and political communication and is also available for commentary. Reach him at 205/348-6350, copeland@ua.edu.

How accurate are the political polls? – 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.

Political parties and Congressional control – From a minority of crucial voters who actually prefer the gridlock of split control of Congress, to the polarizing style of the president, which factors will weigh heaviest on voters’ minds as they vote for Congressional candidates? Dr. Carol Cassel, professor of political science, can be reached at 205/348-3805, 205/758-5978 or ccassel@bama.ua.edu.