Political scientists available to discuss Ted Cruz as first declared presidential candidate, other possible candidates

Monday, March 23, 2015 - 18:58

Today (Monday, March 23), Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, announced his candidacy for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, becoming the first Republican or Democrat to formally declare candidacy. Cruz is expected to contend with former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, among others, for the GOP nomination, while former Sen. and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is expected to be the Democratic frontrunner for the nomination.

The following University of North Texas political scientists are available to discuss Cruz and other possible candidates:

Matthew Eshbaugh-Soha, associate professor in the UNT Department of Political Science, researches American political institutions and public policy. He is the co-author of Breaking Through the Noise: Presidential Leadership, Public Opinion and the News Media and The President's Speeches: Beyond "Going Public."

Phone: 940-565-2329
E-mail: mes@unt.edu

Valerie Martinez-Ebers is a professor of political science and co-editor of the American Political Science Review. Her areas of expertise include race, ethnicity and Latino politics, including immigration policy analysis and program evaluation; the impact of migration into the heartland of the United State; the rise of Latino voters and the role of Hispanic legislators.

Cell phone: 940-390-2304
E-mail: valmartinez@unt.edu

Philip Paolino, associate professor of political science, will discuss candidates' performance, voters' perceptions of candidate viability, voting patterns, political psychology and political participation during election season. He has published articles in a number of scholarly journals, including American Political Science Review, American Journal of Political Science and Political Analysis.

Office phone: 940-565-2315
Home phone: 703-310-7162
E-mail: paolino@unt.edu

UNT News Service
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