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NIU’s Department of Political Science this fall is presenting a “Presidential Speaker Series” featuring national political experts, including former U.S. Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert, to provide students, faculty and community members with unique insights on the presidential election.
“We have fascinating and well known speakers, and we’ll be talking about issues of major concern to voters, ranging from the role of money in elections to media coverage,” said Matthew Streb, chair of the Department of Political Science. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for all of our students to learn beyond the classroom and for the university to share its resources with the public.”
The Series will kick off at 7PM Wed., September 12, in the Altgeld Hall Auditorium, with a presentation titled, “The Impact of Citizens United: The Role of Money in the 2012 Elections.” It will feature a discussion between speakers Richard Hasen from the University of California-Irvine and Bradley Smith of the Capital University School of Law.
“Both Rick Hasen and Brad Smith are among the top election law scholars in the country,” said Streb, who will moderate the discussion.
In the second installment, Mark Stencel, NPR’s managing editor for digital news, will discuss “Media Coverage and Presidential Elections” beginning at 7PM Tues., October 9 at the Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center. Stencel is responsible for overseeing the journalism on NPR’s website and other platforms. Since Stencel joined NPR in 2009, the network has been recognized as one of industry’s leading digital news services.
The third installment of the series will be led by Alan Abramowitz of Emory University, who will deliver a presentation titled “Predicting the 2012 Presidential Election” at 6PM Thurs., October 18, in the Holmes Student Center Sky Room.
Post Election Talk – 7:30PM Thurs., Nov. 8, at NIU-Naperville
The final installment will feature former U.S. Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert, a Republican from west suburban Yorkville, and Bill Lipinski, a Democratic member of the U.S. House from 1983 to 2005, representing a Chicago district. Moderated by Professor Streb, the post-election talk will be held at 7:30PM Thurs., November 8, in the Event Room of NIU-Naperville.
“We’re thrilled and honored to host this discussion between two of Illinois’ most well-known and well-respected political leaders,” Streb said. “It promises to be a night filled with political insights in the wake of the presidential election.”
More information is available online or by calling (815) 753-1011.
