SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
University Affairs Office
1801 E. Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928-3609
(707) 664-2057
e-mail: jean.wasp@sonoma.edu
University Affairs Office
1801 E. Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928-3609
(707) 664-2057
e-mail: jean.wasp@sonoma.edu
-
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2003 File #
Contact: David McCuan, Political Science, (707) 664-3309
Political Science Professor Can Comment on Governor's Recall Election
David McCuan, professor of political science at Sonoma State University, is available for comment on the various dimensions of the California recall election. He can also speak to the general impact of ballot measures or "direct democracy" on the state of California and across the nation.McCuan has provided commentary and analysis to CNN, The Wall StreetJournal, as well as regional and national news outlets on the politics and practices of ballot measure campaigns.
The challenges posed by the increasing use of ballot measures by
politicians, citizens and interest groups across the country have led many commentators to argue that a “fourth branch of government” has risen through the use of the tools of direct democracy, says McCuan.
McCuan can provide insight into the nature of direct democracy — the role of political professionals such as political consultants, signature gatherers, and pollsters in the process as well as prospects for reform.
McCuan says "direct democracy has become more visible in the state with the adoption of measures such as Prop. 13, term limits, Propositions 187 and 209, and confusion has increased about how this institution shapes public policy."
McCuan teaches in the fields of state and local politics, campaigns and elections, and political behavior with a specific emphasis on direct democracy. He is also graduate coordinator of the Master’s in Public Administration program at the University.
His first book is due out this Fall titled, “The New Politics of Direct
Democracy.” He is also a member of the Advisory Board of the Initiative and Referendum Institute, Washington, D.C. and has used his expertise as an elections observer in Africa.
Main Office: (707) 664-2179
Direct Line: (707) 664-3309
E-mail: david.mccuan@sonoma.edu