#029
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTS
Christina Holmes
SFSU Office of Public Affairs
(415) 405-3803
(415) 338-1665
pubcom@sfsu.edu
Press Release published by the Office of Public Affairs
|
Reporters
welcome into several classes to interview students about
recall election
SAN
FRANCISCO, Oct. 6, 2003 -- San Francisco State University
offers knowledgeable political experts to provide analysis
before and after the recall election. In addition, on the
evening of Oct. 7 reporters are welcome into several journalism
and public administration classes to interview students about
the recall outcome. To arrange for visits or for assistance
in reaching faculty members, please call the Office of Public
Affairs.
Robert
Smith, professor of political science, is an expert on
American politics and its history. Smith can be reached
at (415) 338-7524 or (510) 222-7273 or via e-mail at rcs@sfsu.edu
"The recall is reckless and contrary to the American republican
tradition (Madison and the other framers of the Constitution
would surely recoil in horror at this process). Indeed, the
idea of the immediate recall of elected officials is a Marxist
idea, advanced by Marx and Engels in their radical theory of
democracy," he said.
Francis
Neely, assistant professor of political science, is an authority
on the election process. Neely can be reached at (415) 386-3748
or (415) 338-1522 or
via e-mail at fneely@sfsu.edu
"The California recall brings to light questions about direct
democracy and the means by which we practice it. In theory,
direct citizen input seems appropriate and valid; in practice,
aggregating citizens' preferences can be tricky. Our unusual
rules for recalling state officials should be changed to avoid
another election like this one," Neely said.
James
Martel, assistant professor of political science, is an expert
on
American politics and political theory. Martel can be reached
at (415) 405-2162 or via e-mail at jmartel@sfsu.edu
" I
think this recall situation is fast turning into an example
of the constitutional crises that periodically wrack the country.
The constitution and our subsequent system of government are
not particularly well suited for very difficult political decisions
-- as many have famously said, we tend to 'muddle through'
rather than make definitive decisions. As a result, many problems
fester and remain intractable or are 'resolved' by means other
than passing laws," Martel said.
Corey
Cook, assistant professor of political science, is an expert
in California politics. Cook can be reached at (415)
405-2471 or (510) 336-0978 or via e-mail at coreyc@sfsu.edu
"Unlike a governor elected in a 'normal' general election, there
will be no time or money for a transition, they will face a
legislature whose leadership and entire membership is already
in place (and the vast majority of whom represent safe districts),
and extraordinary demands within the first several months of
the term. Rather than seizing the reins of political power,
if indeed Governor Davis is removed from office, the next governor
will have to find a way to fit himself into a preexisting government," Cook
said.
Note to editors: Cook is only available for print and radio
interviews.
Jillian
Sandell, assistant professor of women studies, is an expert
on women's issues and how women could impact
the outcome of the recall election. Sandell can be reached
at (415) 338-1516 or via e-mail at sandell@sfsu.edu
"The concept of the 'women's vote' is weak, because even though
it is possible to count the number of women who vote for a
particular candidate, it is not possible to extrapolate that
these women voted solely 'as women,'" Sandell
said. "It is weak as a tool of analysis because there
are significant differences -- race, class, region, etc. --
among women as a group that shapes how they vote. For example,
does a Latina fall under the "women's vote" or
the "Latino vote?"
-###-
|
|
