PoliticalScience

In his latest Baltimore Sun opinion column, political science professor Thomas Schaller suggests that persistent and growing dependence on federal subsidies like food stamps, unemployment insurance and Medicaid “implies that economic inequality is worsening” in the U.S., in contrast to “preposterous warnings about creeping socialism.” Schaller cites data indicating that between 2009 and 2011 overall household incomes grew by 14%, but while wealth rose by 21% for the wealthiest 13% of Americans, it actually declined for every other wealth category in the bottom 87%. In time for Labor Day, the New Republic has highlighted another of Schaller’s Baltimore Sun columns,… Continue Reading Thomas Schaller, Political Science, in The Baltimore Sun and New Republic

In advance of Labor Day, UMBC political science professor Thomas F. Schaller writes in his latest Baltimore Sun column that despite increased productivity, U.S. workers have less access to vacation time and lower pay than their international peers. Schaller references a study released earlier this year by the International Labor Organization, which found American workers are the most productive in the world, producing $63,885 of wealth annually on average. However, he notes, citing a recent study by the Center for Economic and Policy Research, “the United States is the only nation that doesn’t guarantee every worker a certain number of… Continue Reading Thomas Schaller, Political Science, in the Baltimore Sun

A new Baltimore Sun column by UMBC’s Thomas F. Schaller, professor of political science, examines last week’s rejection of President Barack Obama’s proposal “to exchange a cut in corporate tax rates for an infrastructure-based jobs stimulus plan” by Congressional Republications. Schaller suggest that this rejection was motivated in part by knowledge among GOP members of Congress that “corporate tax rates aren’t nearly as punitive for corporate America as they claim them to be.” Schaller notes that although President Obama suggests lowering the nominal corporate tax rate from 35% to 28%, the figure of more importance is the “effective” tax rate, which… Continue Reading Thomas Schaller, Political Science, in the Baltimore Sun

The fact-checking site PolitiFact recently asked UMBC political science professor Roy T. Meyers to weigh in on the accuracy of House Speaker John Boehner’s statement that President Obama has “announced that he would not sign any spending bills this year unless sequestration spending cuts are eliminated.” Meyers noted that Statements of Administration Policy (SAPs) Boehner references here do indicate a veto threat, saying that this type of wording from the Obama administration is usually “meant as a strong ‘no’ … but a ‘no’ that is meant to say he is firm in his position and that it’s time to negotiate.”… Continue Reading Roy Meyers, Political Science, on PolitiFact

UMBC political science professor Thomas F. Schaller commented on the high profile that recent ex-presidents are assuming in public affairs and politics in an AP story that appeared on NPR this week, In “Ex-Presidents Club: Lots of life after White House,” Schaller says that “the opportunities are greater” for ex-presidents who want to remain engaged after their time in office. He points to the globalization of politics and increased collaboration among current and former leaders, such as the Clinton-Bush partnerships to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina and the tsunami in Indonesia. For more detail, read “The Contemporary Presidency: Postpresidential Influence… Continue Reading Thomas Schaller, Political Science, in AP Story and Baltimore Sun

Del. Heather Mizeur plans to announce her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for governor this week, joining Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown as an official candidate in the June 2014 primary. If elected, Mizeur would become the first woman to serve as Maryland governor as well as the first openly gay governor in the nation, but Donald F. Norris, professor and chair of public policy at UMBC, told The Baltimore Sun that Mizeur faces “formidable odds” in trying to jump from the Maryland General Assembly to the governor’s office. “She’s not known at all outside her district. She’s going to have… Continue Reading Donald Norris, Public Policy, in the Baltimore Sun

“An important part of one’s success as a [gubernatorial] nominee is getting the mentions and being perceived as a credible candidate,” Laura Hussey told Southern Maryland News, responding to Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake’s endorsement of Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown for governor. Hussey, an assistant professor of political science at UMBC, notes that Brown is a front-runner in the election and endorsements like Rawlings-Blake’s can deter potential rivals, but Brown will face challengers. Attorney General Doug Gansler has already raised millions for a gubernatorial bid, and U.S. Rep. “Dutch” Ruppersberger and Del. Heather Mizeur are widely considered to be possible contenders. Hussey says… Continue Reading Laura Hussey, Political Science, in Southern Maryland News

It’s been a busy few weeks in the news for UMBC political science professor Thomas F. Schaller. In addition to his regular Baltimore Sun op-eds — most recently on immigration reform and the GOP’s demographic future — Schaller was quoted in The New Republic article “He’s Handsome, He’s Progressive, He’s a Rocker…” on Gov. Martin O’Malley’s presidential prospects. There, Schaller argues that it’s hard do build a national campaign on being a competent manager, without having a clear, coherent political identity. Additionally, Schaller commented in the Baltimore Sun on Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake’s endorsement of Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown as governor,… Continue Reading Thomas Schaller, Political Science, in the New Republic and Baltimore Sun

As the 2014 Maryland gubernatorial race quickly takes shape, ABC7 interviewed UMBC political science professor Thomas F. Schaller on what the state can expect moving forward. Schaller’s comments focused on the strength of the Democratic party in the state. He noted, “The Republican party just has such a very short bench in Maryland.” Schaller walked the reporter through the past several gubernatorial elections and the tactics candidates found successful. He suggested, “for a long time, Democrats maximized their votes in Baltimore City, Montgomery County and Prince George’s County.” For example, Parris Glendening (1995-2003) won those three areas and was elected,… Continue Reading Thomas Schaller, Political Science, on ABC7

“Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown and Howard County Executive Ken Ulman shook up Maryland’s 2014 gubernatorial race by announcing they will run as a ticket for the Democratic nomination in 2014. Politically and electorally, it’s a shrewd and gutsy move,” writes UMBC political science professor Thomas F. Schaller in today’s Baltimore Sun. Schaller notes, “Picking running mates before the primary remains unconventional,” with most gubernatorial and presidential candidates assuming they should make solo nomination bids and pick running mates only after receiving the nomination. Brown and Ulman, however, are positioning themselves as a complementary ticket, highlighting Brown’s service in the state… Continue Reading Thomas Schaller, Political Science, in the Baltimore Sun

A new guest column by UMBC political science professor Thomas F. Schaller on Sabato’s Crystal Ball ask the highly provocative question, “How Should We Vote?” Schaller writes: Given pervasive gerrymandering and a shrinking number of competitive districts, any serious reform of congressional elections might also entail changes to our voting rules — that is, how votes are cast by voters and aggregated to determine winners… So what sort of voting rule reforms might significantly alter the composition of Congress, encourage greater voter participation and create a more responsive national legislature? Changing voting rules can change voter behavior in two important… Continue Reading Thomas Schaller, Political Science, on Sabato’s Crystal Ball