2007 Conference Program - Midwest Political Science Association

Presenter Dimensions of Religosity, the Death Penalty and Public
Opinion
(Board 3)
Joshua T. Matthews, Mount Union College
Alecia Varner, Mount Union College
Andrew Hickerson, Mount Union College
Overview: This paper examines the role religosity plays in public
opinion - in this case, the death penalty. Using Lam's (2002)
dimensions of religiosity the death penalty examined through six
different religious traditions.
Presenter The Effects of Stereotypes on Perceptions of Latino
Candidates in the Midwest
(Board 4)
Douglas H. Spence, Ohio University
Overview: Using a survey-based experiment, this study discovers
several significant stereotypes of Latino candidates in the
Midwest, and explores their relationship with respondent
characteristics and their impact on Latino political efficacy.
Presenter Underreported, Underfinanced, and Unnoticed Humanitarian
Crises
(Board 5)
Jeneca A. Parker, Furman University
Overview: The purpose is to better understand what factors greatly
influence public support of foreign aid. The methods I used were
surveys and a focus group. If we can understand how people
evaluate crises, we can begin to answer why aid is truly given.
Presenter Impact of Corruption on Trust in Governmental Institutions
of East Asia
(Board 6)
Mychal A. Voorhees, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville
Overview: This research examines corruption in East Asia and its
impact on citizens’ trust in governmental institutions such as
central and local governments, legal systems, and legislatures.
Presenter The Impact of Religion and Gender Discrimination on
Remittance Volume
(Board 7)
Jinu M. Koola, Harvard University
Overview: Broadly speaking, the question that research
investigates is: What is the differential impact of religion and
household composition on the remittance volume of Kerala’s
Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities?
Presenter The Historical Use of the Veto in the United Nations Security
Council
(Board 8)
Adam Moore, Northern Kentucky University
Overview: This paper is an analysis of the use of the veto by the
five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council
from 1946 to the present. It will look at trends in global influence
and alliances, and their affect on voting.
Presenter Funny Farm: An Assessment of Popular Television Political
Comedians' Popularity and Influence with Emory University
Graduate Students on Social Networking Website
theFacebook.com
(Board 9)
Andrea A. Dixon, Emory University
Overview: The sudden and overwhelming popularity of online
social networking groups has created a new avenue for
determining the popularity and influence of public figures.
Presenter Habermas, Facebook, and Expansion of the Public Sphere
(Board 10)
Paul M. Turner, Marshall University
Overview: This work examines the possibility that Facebook, a
relative newcomer in the cyberspace community, expands the
public sphere by allowing new voices to contribute to public
opinion on social and political issues.
Presenter America's Secret Court: Problems within the Foreign
Intelligence Surveillance Court
(Board 11)
Ashley K. Farmer, Eastern Kentucky University
Rachel E. Chambers, Eastern Kentucky University
Chris A. Eden, Eastern Kentucky University
Overview: In light of the United States' recently elevated attention
to terrorism, the business of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance
Court emerges more prominently in the minds of citizens,
government leaders and politicians.
Presenter Fostering Democracy: The Importance of The Founding
Principle Natural Law
(Board 12)
Matthew W. Weber, Bradley University
Overview: The conditions and practices of both domestic prisons
and international prison camps in the United States show that
Natural Law needs to serve as a guiding principle once more in a
time and a nation in a state of confusion.
Presenter Optimal Mechanisms for Sustainable Development in China
and India
(Board 13)
Tabitha N. Thomas, University of Mississippi
Overview: In order to avoid potential environmental and economic
crises, China and India may embark on the path toward sustained
development, which can be achieved at the national level through
changes in institutions, incentives, information, and interests.
Presenter NAFTA and the Tarahumara: Challenges of Free Trade in
Developing Nations
(Board 14)
Kimberly D. Joki, Alma College
Overview: NAFTA’s effects on indigenous culture within Mexico
provides important lessons about the consequences of free trade
and globalization, including issues concerning maintenance of
land resources, self-development, the environment and
discrimination.
Presenter Governing in the Absence of Enemies: Intelligence Oversight
1989-2001
(Board 15)
Herschel S. Nachlis, Macalester College
Overview: This paper examines congressional efforts to oversee
intelligence from the end of the Cold War through September 11,
2001, and explores how Congress approached each element of the
intelligence cycle during this transitional period.
Presenter Managing Conflict: The Preliminary Phases of the 2006
Minnesota Senate Race
(Board 16)
Hans J.G. Hassell, Pomona College
Overview: While concerned about winning swing voters, a
campaign’s primary focus at the beginning of the campaign is that
of gathering and enlarging their base. They do that in three key
ways: volunteer recruitment, voter identification, and fundraising.
Presenter Funding, Foley, and Fury: The Democratic Takeover of the
House
(Board 17)
Jaclyn J. Kettler, Baker University
Jen N. Thierer, Baker University
Eddie B. Cardona, Baker University
Overview: Individual issues like Iraq and immigration did not play
a significant role in the Democratic takeover of the House.
Instead, scandals, money, and a general desire for change were the
determining factors in many competitive districts.
60-1 CASE STUDIES IN LEADERSHIP:
INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES
Room Suite 9-142, 9 th Floor, Sat at 4:25 pm
Chair Xiaojun Yan, Harvard University
Paper Godfatherism, Electoral Politics and Exercise of State Power
in Nigeria
I. C. Okoye, University of Awka
Overview: The reckless manipulation of electoral politics and state
power by rich politicians in Nigeria negates efforts towards
democratization and good governance. The phenomenon is
socially reproduced as a result of the prevailing kleptocracy.
Paper Bachelet 2006: Continuity or Change?
Adriela Fernandez, Governors State University
Overview: This paper seeks to assess the impact of Bachelet's
election in Chile by examining her first six months in office.
Interviews will be conducted with students, workers, members of
the opposition, the government coalition, and the media.
Page | 261