Political Analyst Dr. Larry Sabato to speak at Ritz Carlton

 

SARASOTA, FL (February 20, 2008) – On Feb. 27 at 12:00 noon Dr. Larry J. Sabato, professor of political science and director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, will provide a broad overview of civility at a luncheon and lecture entitled “Sabato’s Crystal Ball” at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Sarasota.

 

Dubbed by the Wall Street Journal as “probably the most quoted college professor in the land” and “America’s favorite political scientist” by Fox News Channel, Sabato will address media influence on campaigns, citizen participation in the election process, and the extreme partisanship that permeates American political life.

 

His Crystal Ball Election 2008 analysis Web site features detailed and frequently updated analyses for a wide spectrum of political races from around the country, including the presidential election, every Senate and gubernatorial race, and the tightest campaigns for the House.

 

Sabato’s formal presentation will be followed by a breakout workshop during which the issues he raised will be discussed in greater depth by a panel of academic and professional specialists. The discussion will be led by David Klement, director of the Institute for Public Policy and Leadership, Dr. Susan McManus, distinguished professor of government and international affairs at USF Tampa, and Carson Cooper, host of National Public Radio’s popular “Morning Edition” drive-time program and of WUSF’s weekly “Florida Matters” program on issues of public concern.

 

The lecture is part of the “Civility in Democracy: Election 2008” series hosted by Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice in partnership with the Collins Center for Public Policy and USF Sarasota-Manatee’s Institute for Public Policy and Leadership.  The series is a multi-faceted, year-long effort to address concerns about civility in politics, governance and daily life.

 

Tickets for the Feb. 27 Dr. Larry Sabato workshop are $50 and will include lunch. Reservations may be made online at www.becauseitmatters.net/CID.cfm, or by calling 941-486-4600.