Wayne Steger, chair of DePaul’s political science department, (773) 325-4240 or wsteger@depaul.edu

Can provide commentary on Congressional races and impact of media coverage on politics.

Michael Mezey, professor of political science, (773) 325-7318 or mmezey@depaul.edu

Able to comment on many Illinois races, especially the race for the U.S. Senate seat previously held by President Barack Obama and potential impacts from the upcoming federal corruption trial of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Mike Conklin, journalism instructor, (312) 362-7645 or mconkli2@depaul.edu

How the recent Supreme Court ruling on campaign finance could be a boon for political advertising. Media coverage of current campaigns in Illinois.  “The low-key nature of this primary and the relatively small amount of money spent compared to what we’ve seen in the last two years, put more emphasis on actual news coverage and newspaper endorsements.”

Bruce Evensen, professor of journalism, (312) 362-7616 or bevensen@depaul.edu
The Scott Brown effect and the end of President Obama’s moment. He also can discuss how new media is changing how Americans get campaign information and the link between press credibility and voter confidence. “What will be the impact of the Massachusetts miracle on Illinois voters? For more than 100 years, Illinois was the nation’s most representative state (along with Missouri) in predicting presidential contests, but since 2000, it has been seen as reliably blue. Will corruption in Springfield change that?”

R. Craig Sautter, visiting faculty and campaign strategist, rcsautter@aol.com or (305) 672-6979

A former campaign consultant for Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, Sautter can discuss impact of campaign financing.  “The Supreme Court ruling that money equals free speech in campaigns has reopened the field for the infusion of millions of dollars in corporate and union contributions to political campaigns. But it also has called for transparency on who is paying for TV, radio and print ads,” Sautter says.