DEBATES Democracy in Action

2011 DEBATES Democracy in Action THE SOAPBOX allegheny college Center fo r Polit ic a l Participation CONTENTS Did you know From the CPP DireCtor .............................................................1 that in the past Cover Story: DebateS—DemoCraCy in aCtion .... 2 soapbox crates were used as temporary platforms newS for making Briefs ...............................................................................................4 impromptu public Voter Lists Clogged .........................................................................7 speeches? Bringing Theory to Practice ...........................................................7 Alumni Run for Office ...................................................................8 SPeCial rePort: Civility SurveyS make newS ... 10 on-CamPuS leCtureS & eventS Abortion Politics ............................................................................9 Tea Party Visit ...............................................................................12 Help Haiti Heal ............................................................................13 MCUSA 2011 ..............................................................................14 Religious Tolerance ......................................................................16 Fellow newS SOAPBOX 2011-12 Fellows ............................................................................17 Editor Mary Solberg Follow the Fellows ........................................................................18 Writers Brian Harward SCholarly work Katie Janocsko Megan McNally Rudeness & Rancor ......................................................................19 Dan Shea Mary Solberg Multiple Modes of Engagement....................................................20 Alex Sproveri ON THE COVER Photography Brian Harward Republican Mike Kelly makes a point during a contentious Megan McNally debate last October with then-U.S. Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper (D) at Ford Chapel on the Allegheny Bill Owen College campus. Only weeks later, in one of the most Mary Solberg watched midterm races in the country, Kelly beat Dahlkemper for the 3rd Legislative District seat, capturing Graphic Design R. Scott Kowalke 55.7 percent of the votes. (Photo by Bill Owen) From the Director I am sometimes asked what keeps University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, we us so busy at the Center for Po- were able to undertake two additional national litical Participation. My answer, surveys, one in September and the other just days often much longer than the ques- before the midterm elections in November. Our tioner bargained for, highlights aim was to gauge attitudes and perceptions related three areas of work: campus ac- to the tone of politics. We are continuing to di- tivities, community projects and gest the findings, and to present our evidence at scholarly endeavors. As you will scholarly gatherings and other public events. Sev- note in the following pages, we eral publications are in the works, including an were running on all cylinders this edited book on civility, due out in December. past year! On a more somber note, the tragic shooting of We kicked off the year’s campus activities with a U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and six visit from Ben Franklin. Well, sort of. In celebra- others in Tucson last January highlighted the im- tion of Constitution Day, we invited a Ben Frank- portance of our work on civility in politics. We lin reenactor to campus. It was good fun seeing understand that Jared Laughner, the alleged shoot- one of our nation’s framers in the Campus Center er, is an unstable young man, and that his violent during lunch hour, but tough student questions acts did not spring from lucid political motiva- and comments made the event quite educational. tions, nor were they the direct result of the words Later in the year, we explored our continued inter- or deeds of any politician or commentator. But est in political civility by sponsoring a panel dis- the event caused many Americans to take a seri- cussion on religious tolerance, as well as a lecture ous look at how we do politics in America. People on abortion politics. We also held two important from across the nation have turned to our research candidate debates, including a packed gathering for comprehensive, objective information, and we at Ford Chapel featuring U.S. House incumbent are dedicated to continuing this important work. Kathy Dahlkemper and challenger, Mike Kelly, both of whom are pictured on the front cover. As always, many thanks go out to the CPP stu- Among much else, we also were pleased to help dent fellows and our program coordinator, Mary sponsor a visit from a key player in the Pennsylva- Solberg, for their hard work and dedication. I nia Tea Party movement, and to hold our first-ever also want to welcome a new member of the team: Veteran’s Day event. Associate Professor Brian Harward. Brian joined the Political Science Department last August and As for work in the community, we conducted shortly thereafter agreed to be a research fellow our semester-long, nationally acclaimed Model at the CPP. His insights and energy have already Campaign USA program. We set a new record made a big difference. this year, too, with nearly 200 area high school students and teachers participating. As you may All the best, recall, the goal of this program is not simply to help young citizens better understand modern campaign practices, but to stress ethical politics. Our scholarly work centered, primarily, on issues Daniel M. Shea, Ph.D. related to civility. By teaming up with Indiana Director 1 COVER STORY DEBATES Democracy in Action BY MARY SOLBERG Economy at center of congressional, commissioner debates From the U.S. Congress to the Crawford County commissioner’s office, the economy took center stage this past year. So it was no surprise when the bleak economic outlook played heavily in two separate debate forums hosted by the Center for Political Participation. On Oct. 21, 2010, Kathy Dahlkemper, the Democratic incumbent in the 3rd Congressional District, debated her Mike Kelly Kathy Dahlkemper Republican opponent, Mike Kelly, at “Times are tough, but we see things Ford Chapel on the Allegheny campus. government. “The best government is getting better,” Dahlkemper said at the Kelly, owner of a car dealership in the least government,” Kelly explained. podium, standing only feet from Kelly. Butler, Pa., was leading by 7 percentage “If we get to a point where we are able “This is probably the most important points the night of the debate, and won to actually grow our businesses without election of our generation.” the general election a couple weeks later being overregulated, without being with 55.7 percent. Kelly quickly responded, “I don’t overtaxed, the investment then would share that same enthusiasm as the go into training.” Six months later, full into the primary congresswoman. Things are not getting season, the CPP brought together CPP Director Dan Shea moderated the better.” the nine Republican and Democratic debate with Meadville Tribune reporter contenders for the Crawford County This, however, was not the only issue Keith Gushard, asking the candidates commissioner race. The commissioner on which the candidates sparred. Kelly additional questions submitted from forum was held April 25 in the Tillotson criticized the recently passed health the audience. Following the debate, Room of Tippie Alumni Center. Of the care law, adding that he would never Pam Davis of Erie told Soapbox that she nine candidates, Democrats Sherman have voted for a bill that penalized the thought the campaign had been “ugly.” Allen and Patricia Gillette, and unborn. Two years, she said, is not enough time Republicans Jack Lynch and Francis for any legislator to serve. “I think they Weiderspahn captured the most votes Dahlkemper shot back, “It’s morally need to serve a longer term,” Davis and will go on to run in the Nov. 8 reprehensible that my opponent added. general election. describes me as not pro-life. This was the most pro-life bill ever passed by Jeff Keeling of Cochranton appreciated The congressional debate, clearly Congress. Health care is pro-life.” the opportunity to see the debate, contentious from the outset, attracted a referring to the important issues facing large, rowdy crowd at Ford Chapel. While Dahlkemper touted her the country. “You’re dealing with a accomplishments during her single term climate where people are struggling. in office, Kelly pledged to rein in big 2 We need genuine leadership,” Keeling added. At the April 25 commissioner debate, the economy also took center stage with each of the candidates offering thoughts on how they would help the county through the next four years. Among the important qualities of a commissioner, each said, was accountability, transparency, improving the job outlook in manufacturing, and better communication. Professor Shea also moderated this debate, guiding the candidates through key topics, including property reassessments, the Crawford County Correctional Facility, and the proposed expansion of the Crawford County Court House. Regarding property reassessments, Shea explained that Crawford County has not had a reassessment since 1969. “Are you in favor of a county-wide property reassessment?” Shea asked. All of the candidates said no, citing the ongoing recession and the detrimental effect it might have on senior citizens. “Recession is not the best time to try it [reassessment],” said Republican Keith Bromley. Besides winners Sherman

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