UNT experts available to discuss Texas gubernatorial race, other political races

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 - 17:00

As you continue your coverage of the 2014 Texas gubernatorial election and other political races in the state, consider these University of North Texas faculty members who are available to do media interviews about the candidates, results of the March 4 primary, debates between the candidates and other topics.

Terry Clower is an associate professor of applied economics and the director of UNT's Center for Economic Development. He will discuss the Texas economy and its possible impact on the political races. In addition to his work with the Center for Economic Development and Research, Clower has consulted with municipalities and companies in the electronics, telecommunications and energy industries. The focus of these activities has included economic development strategic planning, tax policies, economic and fiscal impacts analyses, and market performance issues.

Office phone: 940-565-4049
Cell phone: 214-202-4692
E-mail: terry.clower@unt.edu

Matthew Eshbaugh-Soha, an 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 Medie and The President's Speeches: Beyond "Going Public."

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

Kimi King is an associate professor in the Department of Political Science with expertise in constitutional law. She focuses on institutional powers and equal protection, civil rights and civil liberties, and criminal procedure.

Office phone: 940 565-4984
Cell phone: 940-597-4802
Email: kking@unt.edu

Valerie Martinez-Ebers is a professor in the Department 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.

Office phone: 940-565-2327
Cell phone: 940-390-2304
E-mail: valmartinez@unt.edu

James E. Mueller is a professor of journalism in UNT's Frank W. and Sue Mayborn School of Journalism. He will discuss communication used by the political candidates, particularly communication with members of the news media and press conferences. Mueller is the author of Towel Snapping the Press: Bush's Journey from Locker-Room Antics to Message Control, which compares George W. Bush's press relations to those of other presidents and Tag Teaming the Press: How Bill and Hillary Clinton Work Together to Handle the Media, which traces the Clintons' press relations through Bill's terms as Arkansas governor and U.S. president and Hillary's run for the White House.

Phone: 940-368-3528
E-mail: jmueller@unt.edu

Gwen Nisbett, an assistant professor of strategic communications in the Mayborn School of Journalism, will provide insight into public relations that goes on behind of the scenes of an election. Before starting an academic career, she worked in campaign politics, working in political strategic communication at the national, statewide and local levels. Her research interests include mediated social influence, non-traditional platforms for strategic political public relations, and political humor.

E-mail (preferred): gwen.nisbett@unt.edu
Phone: 405-397-1776

Jacqueline Vickery, assistant professor in the Department of Radio, Television and Film,
will discuss social media strategies in political races. She is an associated researcher for
The Digital Edge, an interdisciplinary project exploring how students, teachers and
families  are engaging digital media in the face of significant social, financial, educational
and familial challenges.

Phone: 469-878-2406
E-mail: Jacqueline.vickery@unt.edu

Wendy Watson, pre-law advisor and lecturer in the UNT Department of Political Science, will discuss constitutional law and American government process and policies.

Office phone: 940-565-4413
Cell phone: 940-595-3083
wendy.watson@unt.edu

UNT News Service
News_Service@unt.edu
(940) 565-2108