August 21, 2008

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) professors Larry Powell, Ph.D., and Holly Brasher, Ph.D., are available to discuss the vice presidential picks of Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain.

Professor Larry Powell, Ph.D., a renowned expert on campaign political communications and pollster, can discuss whether the vice presidential picks will help the candidates to win specific groups of voters, appeal to voters in specific states or geographic regions or cover a candidate's political weakness on an issue. He is co-author of the book "Political Campaign Communication: Inside and Out." Powell teaches communication management and mass communication in the UAB Department of Communication Studies.

Assistant Professor Holly Brasher, Ph.D., is a political scientist in the UAB Department of Government. She can discuss the criteria for choosing a vice president. Her research interests include American politics, the presidency and public opinion about political parties. She is co-author of the book "Organized Interests and American Politics."

Contact Gail Short, UAB Media Relations, 205-934-8931 or e-mail at gshort@uab.edu. On weekends call 205-934-3411 and ask for the media relations specialist on call.