PoliticalScience

In his latest column in The Baltimore Sun, Political Science Professor and Chair Thomas Schaller wrote about two major developments that have the potential to revolutionize collegiate athletics: an NCAA ruling that gave five major conferences greater autonomy and a federal judge ruling that stated the NCAA violated the Sherman Anti-Trust Act by profiting from the images of student-athletes without compensating them. When referring to the ruling in the federal case O’Bannon v. NCAA, Schaller wrote, “legal experts further believe that because the O’Bannon ruling vacates the NCAA’s long-cherished amateurism exception, a series of follow-up rulings may follow, including the resolution of a key… Continue Reading Thomas Schaller, Political Science, Op-Ed in The Baltimore Sun

In his latest column in The Baltimore Sun titled, “The GOP chamber puzzle,” Political Science Professor Thomas Schaller writes about how the Republican party holding a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives but not in the Senate is an historical anomaly. “As I explain in ‘The Stronghold,’ my forthcoming book from Yale University Press, Republicans have been a stronger presence in the Senate in the past half century party because more of the small-population states lean Republican. Therefore, the GOP has consistently held a higher share of Senate seats than the population contained in the states the party’s senators represent,” Schaller… Continue Reading Thomas Schaller, Political Science, Op-Ed in The Baltimore Sun

In an op-ed published July 24 on MarylandReporter.com, Political Science Professor Roy Meyers writes about a proposed bill that would allow U.S. corporations to avoid taxes when they repatriate profits that are now booked overseas, if they purchase bonds that would be used to build infrastructure. In his column, Meyers writes that the bill deserves scrutiny, noting: “[the bill] would create the American Infrastructure Fund (AIF) and capitalize it with up to $50 billion. That money would be used to finance infrastructure projects that pass benefit-cost tests.” He adds, “the projects would be expected to pay the AIF back, meaning that the… Continue Reading Roy Meyers, Political Science, on MarylandReporter.com

In his latest column in The Baltimore Sun, Political Science Professor Thomas Schaller writes about American small businesses competing against multinational corporations. In his column titled, “A fairer (small) business environment,” Schaller argues that small businesses face a competitive disadvantage because they are “politically overmatched against multinational corporate giants.” He adds, “the Democrats’ strong union ties tend to complicate their relationship with business generally, even if the party is increasingly dependent upon corporate campaign donations. And if the Democrats might be described as a partially-owned subsidiary of corporate America, consider the Republicans a wholly-owned franchise.” To read the full article published July… Continue Reading Thomas Schaller, Political Science, Op-Ed in The Baltimore Sun

An article published July 8 in Politico Magazine discusses recent election strategies used by Democrats in Southern states. Thomas Schaller, a political science professor and author of Whistling Past Dixie: How Democrats Can Win Without the South, was interviewed for the article and offered analysis on how Democratic candidates in recent presidential elections have built coalitions of support in the South. “When you look at the last two Democratic presidents, both of them won non-Southern Electoral College majorities,” Schaller said. “They both had 270 votes outside the South. Their coalitions were a little different in terms of Southern support. Clinton got more ‘bubba’ support… Continue Reading Thomas Schaller, Political Science, in Politico Magazine and The Baltimore Sun

In a Baltimore Sun article analyzing the Maryland District 12 race for state delegate, Political Science Assistant Professor Laura Hussey provided insight on the early campaigning in the race. Ten Democrats and three Republicans are competing for three open seats. “Candidates got a huge jump on this race,” said Hussey. “I think there was just a huge rush to get in on it once we knew that there would be three open seats in the race.” She added what’s happening in District 12 is similar to what is taking place across the country: “Campaigns are lasting longer and starting earlier. Everyone is trying to… Continue Reading Laura Hussey, Political Science, in The Baltimore Sun and The Herald-Mail

Maryland’s race for governor has received most of the attention, but the attorney general’s race is also seeing a competitive primary. An article published in The Herald-Mail on June 11 examines the duties and responsibilities of the attorney general and sheds light on the importance of the office. Laura Hussey, an assistant professor of political science, was interviewed for the article and shared that the office is important because of political and policy issues. Below is an excerpt from the story: “The attorney general advises the governor on legal matters, [Hussey] said. It was Doug Gansler — the current attorney general who is… Continue Reading Laura Hussey, Political Science, in The Herald-Mail

A recent Baltimore Sun poll shows Maryland Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown has the support of 41 percent of likely Democratic voters in the gubernatorial primary. That number gives him a lead of 2 to 1 over Attorney General Doug Gansler (20 percent) and a 3 to 1 advantage over Del. Heather Mizeur (15 percent). In his latest column in The Baltimore Sun, Political Science Professor Thomas Schaller offers an explanation for why Brown is so far ahead in the race, but also why he has yet to put a lock on the job. “The first observation is that the key party players, including… Continue Reading Thomas Schaller, Political Science, Op-ed in The Baltimore Sun

National History Day is set to take place next month at the University of Maryland, College Park. The competition is an exciting experience for students in grades six through twelve to learn about ideas, events and people in history and apply what they learn through original projects. Nathan Rehr ’13, political science, participated in National History Day as a high school student. For his project, he decided to research Sargent Shriver and as part of his research he interviewed Joby Taylor, Director of the Shriver Peaceworker Program. He credits Taylor with helping him guide his choice of where to go… Continue Reading Nathan Rehr ’13, Political Science, on Humanities Connection

In a column published May 27 in The Baltimore Sun, Political Science Professor Thomas Schaller writes about increasing political campaign contributions from the country’s super wealthy and growing income inequality between members of Congress and those who they govern. “Adjusted for inflation, a million dollars isn’t what it was a century or even a decade ago. So sure, at some point the Congress was bound to have a majority of millionaires,” Schaller wrote. “Yet, in a country where the 2012 median household income was $51,017 — and fell between 2011 and 2012 — there is something truly perverse about not only the rising inequality… Continue Reading Thomas Schaller, Political Science, Op-Ed in The Baltimore Sun