ODU Political Science Experts to Present Forum on Presidential Election
October 17, 2012
As the 2012 presidential election comes down to its final few weeks, and Virginia sits squarely on the list of hotly contested battleground states, faculty members from Old Dominion University's Department of Political Science and Geography will offer their insight into an election that could shape America's future.
The election forum "Election and Consequence: Decision 2012" will be held from 12:20-1:20 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, in Room 1012 of the Batten Arts and Letters Building. It is open to the public.
Panelists for the forum will include Jesse Richman, associate professor; Glen Sussman, professor; Kathleen Winters, assistant professor; and Steve Yetiv, professor. G. William Whitehurst, Kaufman University Lecturer in Public Affairs and a former U.S. congressman, will serve as moderator.
"This is an election where voters are asked to choose between two vastly different visions of the country. It has the potential to shape the nation's policy decisions for several years," said Francis Adams, professor and chair of ODU's Department of Political Science and Geography.
"And in Virginia, voters not only could decide the presidential election, they could hold the key to the Senate, with the close race between Democrat Tim Kaine and Republican George Allen."
The panel discussion will include brief addresses from each expert, along with a question-and-answer session. Adams said the different expertise of the faculty members on the panel, along with the unique vantage point Whitehurst enjoys as a former congressman, should make for an interesting event.
"Each of the panelists will offer a unique perspective on the upcoming elections. Professor Richman will focus on the congressional campaign, Professor Sussman on the presidential race, Professor Winters on the implications of these elections for the judicial branch and Professor Yetiv on the potential impact of these elections on United States foreign policy. Together, these panelists are sure to make for a lively and informative hour," Adams said.
For more information about the "Election and Consequence: Decision 2012" panel, call 683-4643.