PUBLICVOLUME 10, ISSUE 1

INTERESTFALL 2010

IN THETHE NEWSLETTER OF THE CENTER FOR AMERICAN POLITICS AND CITIZENSHIP

U N I V E R S I T Y O F M A R Y L A N D

New CAPC Internship Program: A Platform for Successby Beth Workman

Students from as far as San Francisco and Chicago are coming to the University of Maryland to study government and politics with Paul Herrnson, director of the Center for American Politics and Citizenship (CAPC), and with state officials, who are giving them the real-world experience they crave. In May, twelve College of Behavioral and Social Science students - ten undergraduate students and two graduate students - wrapped up semester-long internships in various offices in the Maryland state government. The internships were arranged by CAPC’s newly-created Maryland Internship Program, in which undergraduates earn 9 credits - three in government for a weekly seminar and six elective credits and spend 18-20 hours a week interning. The students

see Obama on page 5

IN THIS ISSUE...

CAPC CAREER SEMINAR...............2

ON DEMAND BALLOT PROJECT..........3

2006 GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION.....3

REPORTS ON MARYLAND CAMPAIGN FINANCE....................4, 7-8

12TH ANNUAL MARYLAND DAY.......4

HOW TO DEFEAT AN INCUMBENT...6

HALL OF FAME...................8

CAPC STAFF UPDATES.......9

Obama Rallies The University of Maryland by David Searle

It is a must-see when the President comes to campus, and I was fortunate to attend President Obama’s visit to the University of Maryland last September. The experience was incredible, since Obama is the first president for which I was able to cast my ballot. The president came to deliver a speech on health care, but I went to see the man elected to the highest office in the country.

I awoke at sunrise to secure my place in line to see the President. I stood, and sat, in line for almost two hours before I was let into the arena. Fortunately I got in early, as I can only imagine how long thousands of others waited to

WWW.CAPC.UMD.EDUgain experience and networking opportunities that will help them find and succeed in careers in government and politics. The students receive a small stipend to help offset the transportation costs from campus to Annapolis or Baltimore, where most of the internships are located.

Professor Herrnson is particularly proud of the placement process, stating, “We have relationships with many offices in the state government and we work with the students to find an internship that best suits their needs and that will give them the best experience.” Interns this semester were placed in the Governor’s office, the Attorney General’s office, the Department of Budget and Management, and the Maryland State Archives, among other offices.

Following are the stories of three of the interns.

Sarah Hunt came to the University of Maryland from San

Francisco to study government and politics, as well as clarinet. She interned with Delegate Jon Cardin (District 11, Baltimore County), helping draft letters to see MIP page 5

Welcome to the Fall 2010 edition of In The Public Interest, the official newsletter of the Center for American Politics and Citizenship at the University of Maryland. The past year has been very busy for us, with many projects continuing into the summer and fall.

During the fall 2009 semester, we held the latest event in CAPC’s series of Career Seminars, drawing several hundred students to listen to successful UMD graduates working in government and politics. During the spring semester, we launched the Maryland Internship Program, placing the inaugural class of 12 undergraduate and graduate students in state government internships. We also wrote and released various reports on campaign finance, attracting the attention of major media outlets with our analysis of the 2006 and 2010 gubernatorial campaigns.

Over the summer we also launched a new addition to the Maryland Elections Center, allowing Marylanders to receive their official absentee ballot online.

I am happy to announce a new addition to CAPC’s Advisory Board, with Rosalie LaMonica joining during the spring semester. We have also been joined by new Research Fellows Dr. Tom Schaller, Dr. Robert Koulish, and Dr. Stella Rouse, as well as several new research assistants.

I hope you enjoy this edition of the newsletter. For more information, please visit our website at www.capc.umd.edu.

Paul S. Herrnson

Center for American Politics and Citizenship

3102 Morrill HallUniversity of Maryland

College Park, MD 20742(301) 314-2736 tel(301) 314-2532 fax

http://www.capc.umd.edu

Advisory BoardC. Thomas McMillen, ChairmanJack Buechner, Vice-Chair

Amy L. Tenney, SecretaryMichael E. Arrington

Al FromKaren L. Haas

Monica M. HealyGerard C. HigginsJohn A. HursonGlenn F. Ivey

Rosalie LaMonicaScott Richman

Anthony J. RodaJoseph D. Tydings

StaffPaul S. Herrnson, Director

Michael Charlebois, CoordinatorIrwin Morris, Senior Research FellowTom Schaller, Senior Research Fellow

Michael Hanmer, Research FellowRobert Koulish, Visiting Research Fellow

Stella Rouse, Research Fellow

Graduate Research AssistantsJim CurryJeff Taylor

Undergraduate Research AssistantsValerie Caplan

Phylicia GrahamChimdi Ihezie

Ashley JohnsonEdgar Rodriguez

Nick RupkeyFelix Santiago

Elly ScholzDavid Searle

Alden WahlstromAaron Zaccaria

Assistant Newsletter Editor

In the Public Interest is published twice annually by the Center for American Politics and Citizenship, Department of Government and Politics, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, the University of Maryland. CAPC provides citizens and policy-makers with research on critical issues related to the nation’s political institutions, processes, and policies.

Subscriptions to this newsletter are free. To add your name to the subscriber list, please call the center or send an e-mail to newsletter@capc.umd.edu containing all pertinent mailing information.

Letter from the Director

CAPC Career Seminar Excites Students for Post-Graduation SuccessBy Jeff Taylor

In October, CAPC held the latest in its series of undergraduate career seminars, featuring four UMD and CAPC alums. The speakers spoke to an audience of several hundred undergraduate government and politics students about how their undergraduate experiences and decisions helped lead to their successful careers.

Nidhi Thakar, a 2003 graduate and former CAPC research assistant, took

the stage first to speak about her job as an Environment, Energy and Resource Lawyer with the firm Perkins Coie LLP. Next, former CAPC student and GVPT alumnus Ken LaSala described his job as the Director of Government Relations for the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), where he represents the world’s firefighters by collaborating with policymakers, drafting policy, and delivery testimony at hearings.

Delegate Justin Ross spoke on his position as a Maryland State Delegate, representing the 22nd District in Prince Georges County. A former student of

CAPC Director Paul Herrnson and a 1998 UMD graduate, Ross was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates at the age of 26 and currently serves as the Chief Deputy Majority Whip.

Last to speak was former CAPC Board Member Susan Turnbull, Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party. Ms. Turnbull described her early political involvement, beginning with her internship for the Cincinnati City Council, where she worked with future television see Seminar on page 7

Fall 2010 In The Public Interest 2

Pictured from left: Ken LaSala, Susan Turnbull, Nidhi Thakar, and Delegate Justin Ross

Official Ballots Delivered Via the Internet On Demand in Maryland By Mike Charlebois

Beginning with the September 14 Primary Election, Maryland voters can print their official absentee ballot from a website on any computer, thanks to the On Demand Ballot Project run by the Center for American Politics and Citizenship.

Currently, absentee voters have to submit a form listing where they want their ballot delivered and then wait for the post office to deliver it. This can cause problems for some, such as voters away at college or overseas, as they may not know their future address or how long it will take for the state to receive their mail.

The On Demand Ballot Project will give voters the

option to receive their ballot online and print it, along with an addressed envelope, from any computer. This program, developed by CAPC, can be accessed from the Maryland Elections Center, a website run by CAPC that provides voters with their voter registration information, Maryland campaign finance

information, and innovative reports on campaign finance.

This option is aimed specifically at students, military voters, and overseas voters, although any Marylander can use it. Students face particular problems in trying to vote since many lack a permanent residence, making it hard for them to know where to have their ballot sent.

In addition to lack of permanent address, military and overseas voters face the additional barrier of a long and arduous mailing process. This option solves both problems by simplifying the process of requesting a ballot.

Gubernatorial Race Illuminates Surprising Trends in SpendingBy David Searle and James Curry

In January, CAPC released a report we wrote with Professor Herrnson exploring the finances of Maryland’s 2006 gubernatorial election. As candidates and former adversaries Robert Ehrlich and Martin O’Malley once again prepare to face off in this year’s general election, the report provides insight into how money will likely be raised and spent in this highly anticipated rematch.

Over $32 million was raised by gubernatorial candidates in 2006—$10 million more than was raised in 2002, and more than ten times the amount raised in 1990. Ehrlich, the Republican candidate, brought in over $18 million, while O’Malley, the Democratic candidate, raised over $14 million. For their 2010 rematch, the candidates have already raised more than $14 million combined (as of August 29), with the most heated fundraising yet to occur.

The majority of contributions came from individuals, although interest groups such as PACs and businesses contributed

substantial amounts as well. Overall, 88% of all contributions to the gubernatorial candidates came from individuals and businesses. While most contributions came from donors within Maryland, significant amounts of money flowed in from other areas, including Washington, DC, New York City, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles.

The candidates spent the majority of their funds on media advertising, with significant amounts also going to campaign overhead, direct mail advertising, and fundraising.

As Election Day 2010 approaches, O’Malley and Ehrlich are primed to raise and spend millions of dollars, and this report offers Marylanders expectations of where this money will likely come from and how it will be spent.

The report, which can be accessed in full on the Maryland

Election Center website (http://www.mdelections.com) has been featured in the Baltimore Sun and The Gazette.

David M. Searle is a former undergraduate research assistant at CAPC.

James M. Curry is a graduate research assistant at CAPC and a Ph.D. candidate in Government and Politics at UMD.

3 In The Public Interest Fall 2010 WWW.CAPC.UMD.EDU

Fall 2010 In The Public Interest 4

This past semester, Dr. Herrnson and I wrote a report on contributions given by political candidates to other candidates in Maryland. Candidates give directly to other candidates for multiple reasons; some want to help their party expand its number of elected members, while others hope to gain favor with a powerful politician.

Candidate-to-candidate contributions can occur between candidates for any office, but some offices participate more than others. For example, 80% of candidates for attorney general gave or received money in this fashion, while only approximately 35% of candidates for governor or lieutentant governor did. Overall, 45% of candidates in the state of Maryland participated in some way.

There were net in-flows of cash into the gubernatorial race and general assembly races, with gubernatorial candidates giving 8% of all contributions and receiving 22% in return, and candidates for the General Assembly giving 45% of all contributions and receiving 53% in return. Among candidates for the General Assembly, Democrats, incumbents, and general election winners were more likely to both give and receive such funds. The gender of

a candidate was correlated with giving, but not receiving. This is because candidates who are likely to give are better established than candidates who receive, and there were fewer well-established women in 2006 than there were men.

Overall, money flowed to candidates running in competitive races and to high profile, or institutionally powerful candidates.

Nicholas Rupkey is an Undergraduate Research Assistant at CAPC.

CAPC Undergraduate Reports on Candidate to Candidate Contributions in Maryland

CAPC Showcases Work and Play at 12th Annual Maryland Day

On April 24, CAPC participated in the 12th annual Maryland Day celebration at the University of Maryland. Our

staff showcased CAPC’s research, internship programs, and the Maryland Elections Center website to hundreds of interested people passing by our booth on McKeldin Mall. We also registered voters and helped

people locate their polling places.

Despite predicted rain and chilly temperatures, this year’s Maryland Day celebration had an impressive turnout with

attendance peaking around 80,000.

Maryland Day was a success for our Center and staff, who thoroughly enjoyed the event. CAPC Director Paul Herrnson always looks forward to Maryland Day as

“A great way to let the community know about what we do at CAPC. It is also a time to relax and take pride in being part of such a great institution.”

By Nicholas Rupkey

constituents and using

her computer skills in information management. She also had the opportunity to testify before the House Ways & Means Committee. According to Cardin, Sarah was researching a bill he put forth to correct inconsistencies in the way veteran’s organizations were taxed. When it came time to testify, Sarah accompanied Delegate Cardin and, because she researched the issue so thoroughly, she answered most of the questions put forth. (The bill passed both the House and Senate, and was on the Governor’s desk to be signed as this piece was being written.)

“Sarah is smart, articulate, dedicated, good at listening to directions and following through on tasks,” Delegate Cardin said. “She has handled far more than any other intern I’ve worked with.” He is so impressed with her work, he has asked her to stay and work on his campaign this summer.

Now a sophomore, Sarah plans to go to law school after graduation.

Lizzy Davidson came to the University of Maryland from Chicago because the area offers so many opportunities related to government and politics. She is majoring in government and politics, as well as criminology and criminal justice. CAPC’s Maryland Internship Program matched her with Mark Friedenthal, an assistant public

5 In The Public Interest Fall 2010 WWW.CAPC.UMD.EDU

defender in the Juvenile Division of the Public Defender’s Office. Lizzy was given a wide range of experiences and opportunities “so she could really get a flavor for and understand the juvenile court so she could decide if this is something she wants to do,” said Friedenthal. She learned the court’s computer system in order to follow cases in the system, learned to identify potential issues in cases, worked with clients preparing for trial or who have been placed in a facility, and with parents

navigating their way through the system. Lizzy has played an integral role

in our office while she’s been here,” said Friedenthal.” “She’s a real self-starter who can do a very good job without supervision.”

Last semester Lizzy completed an internship with the University’s National

catch a glimpse of President Obama. Prior to President Obama’s

address, Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke spoke about the importance of universal health care. Next, a University of Maryland student offered the crowd her own story about battling cancer. She then had the honor of introducing President Obama.

Obama is known for his great oratory skills, but it is truly a different experience to see and hear him in

Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism. Now a junior, she eventually wants to work in national security.

John McTague will graduate with his Ph.D. in political science in October. He assisted Delegate Doyle Niemann (District 47, Prince George’s County) in environmental policy and acted as Niemann’s point man for environmental issues. For example, one bill required bars and restaurants to recycle bottles, while

another required a 5-cent surcharge on plastic grocery and similar types of bags. “I did a lot of research and spent a lot of time talking to interested parties, like people in the restaurant and glass industries.” John also attended committee hearings and caucus meetings and researched legislation he thought De l ega t e Ni emann might be interested in next session. “It was a really great experience,” he said.

“John has been i n v a l u a b l e a s w e sorted through issues of recycling and solid waste management,” said Delegate Niemann.

“John’s background and interest in policy was particularly useful because he could really understand the issues and make an impact. He helped to shape the bills we worked on extensively.”

A New Jersey native, John will work part-time for the Census while searching for a permanent academic position.

person. He fought emphatically for health care reform, making a particular plea to all university students to personally get involved in the ongoing national debate.

The speech was impressive, regardless of political leaning.

David M. Searle is a former undergraduate research assistant at CAPC.

Obama from page 1

MIP from page 1

Pictured from left: MIP Intern Nick Caine, Maryland State Senator David Brinkley, and CAPC Research Assistant Ashley Johnson

Fall 2010 In The Public Interest 6

How to Defeat an Incumbent by Ashley Johnson

In a majority of both the state and federal elections, incumbents are essentially guaranteed victory over their challengers. This is largely due to the advantage incumbents have in fundraising and recognition, while challengers fall short in both votes and campaign funds. Two years ago, in the 2008 congressional elections, only four incumbent members of Congress were defeated in the primary election. One member, Rep. Albert Wynn of Maryland’s fourth district, stands out because of Donna Edwards’ resounding effort to unseat him. Her victories in the primary contest and the subsequent general election were the culmination of years of hard work and calculated strategy. She enlisted the aid of “J” (Joseph) Toscano, a partner at the Democratic consulting firm Greer, Margolis, Mitchell, Burns, to strategize a way to succeed in the nearly impossible task of toppling an incumbent.

Toscano, a political media consultant, discussed his craft at a Center for American Politics and Citizenship seminar. According to Toscano, the most essential thing for all candidates running for office is to know how to approach their race. Running against an incumbent requires an entirely different strategy than running for an open seat: a challenger has to know his strengths and vulnerabilities and decide which strategies will undermine his opponent’s obvious advantages. Challengers also need a thorough knowledge of their opponent’s political background in order to create a strong contrast between themselves and their opposition. One way the challenger can do this is to assess the political climate and determine whether voters are ready for change. Once a candidate has surveyed these factors, his campaign can create a message that resonates with voters.

A candidate’s relationship with the voters guides his campaign message. Candidates must know well the issues voters care about, requiring extensive research. Polling and demographic research enables the campaign to identify partisan

and independent voters.Toscano suggests that the best

method for a challenger to connect with voters is through political advertising and communication. Effective political advertising accomplishes three things: targeting new audiences without alienating base supporters, driving the challenger’s fundamental message home, and connecting with the voters. Biographical and values advertising are two types of political ads that connect with people. Biographical advertisements paint of picture of the candidate and counter perceived stereotypes, while value advertisements establish what motivates the candidate and their core beliefs. Negative advertising is also important, and must be backed by extensive research. Audiences tend to be more critical of negative advertisements, yet find them more convincing

and memorable because they reinforce preconceived notions of the weaknesses of a candidate. Negative ads also strengthen contrasts between the challenger and the incumbent.

Lastly, public speeches and the general message of a challenger’s campaign influence how they are perceived by voters. According to Toscano, creating an image that resonates positively with voters is crucial to a challengers’ campaign. He recommends speech and debate preparation training in order to enable candidates to appear poised in front of the media and not deviate from the message. Ultimately, Toscano reminded the audience, “It is ultimately up for the people to decide whether or not they want change,” and to “choose who they will vote for.”

Ashley Johnson is an Undergraduate Research Assistant at CAPC.

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Former Rep. Albert Wynn

Representative Donna Edwards (D-MD)

7 In The Public Interest Fall 2010 WWW.CAPC.UMD.EDU

Seminar from page 2

A Look At The State of Gender in the Maryland General Assemblyby Chimdi Ihezie

With Maryland’s own primary elections just completed, the Center for American Politics and Citizenship recently released a report I wrote with Dr. Herrnson examining how gender relates to spending and fundraising by candidates for the state legislature. Rejecting the conventional belief that female candidates face unique disadvantages, the report showed that, all else being equal, women candidates for public office raise

personality Jerry Springer. She recommended an internship as a good way to start building skill and political experience. Currently, as Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party, Ms. Turnbull meets Democratic party members and candidates to raise campaign resources and funds, and helps coordinate party efforts throughout the state.

Following these presentations, students asked questions on political campaigning, the legal profession, and lobbying, and networked with the speakers. Many students expressed interest in interning in Washington, DC, and Maryland, following the suggestions of all four speakers. CAPC is planning to hold its next career seminar in the fall of 2010.

Jeff Taylor is a Graduate Research Assistant at CAPC. approximately the same amount of campaign contributions as male candidates.

The report, titled “Gender and Campaign Finance in the 2006 Maryland General Assembly Elections,” found that female nonincumbent candidates for the House of Delegates raised somewhat less than their male counterparts ($40,100 and $36,400, respectively), while female nonincumbents running for the State Senate actually outraised their male counterparts ($122,800 and $80,400, respectively).

As of June 15, women account for 31% of the Maryland General Assembly members and only 25% of the declared candidates for the state legislature in 2010. According to CAPC Director Paul Herrnson, “The need to raise substantial sums of money has long been a barrier to many considering a race for public office. These findings may help to change the calculations of

potential female candidates and the individuals and groups that fund political campaigns. This would be an important first step in balancing gender representation in the state legislature.”

For more figures pertaining to this report, we encourage you to view the entirety of the report online at http://www.capc.umd.edu.

Chimdi Ihezie is an Undergraduate Research Assistant at CAPC.

Fall 2010 In The Public Interest 8

The “Interest” in Maryland Electionsby Alden Wahlstrom

During the fall semester I wrote a report with Professor Herrnson analyzing the nearly $21 million given by special interest groups to candidates for Governor and the Maryland General Assembly during the 2006 election cycle.

Interest groups spend an enormous amount of money attempting to influence state elections. In the 2006 elections, approximately one-third of contributions to Martin O’Malley, Robert Ehrlich, and candidates for the Maryland General Assembly were from these groups.

In the current 2010 cycle, interest groups are on pace to contribute far more than in 2006. As of January 2010 over $19 million, or 39% of contributions to all 2010 candidates for Maryland offices, have come from interest groups.

Certain types of PACs are much more involved in financing of elections than others. Those related to healthcare and finance, insurance, and real estate issues, contributed over $4 million in the 2006 cycle—approximately one-third of all Maryland-based PAC contributions. Another $2.3 million, or 17% of PAC contributions, was given by labor unions, and $1.7 million (12%) was given by education-related PACs.

“Contributing to the elections of like-minded candidates is one of the most common methods by which interest groups try to influence policy,” said CAPC Director Paul Herrnson. “I’m glad our report is able to bring to light just how much of our candidates’ campaigns are funded in this way.”

Alden Wahlstrom is an Undergraduate Research Assistant at CAPC.

Who is Funding Maryland Candidates?by Elly Scholz

Throughout the spring semester, I worked with Professor Herrnson to write a report analyzing the $46 million in contributions given by individuals to candidates for Maryland state offices for the 2006 elections. Our report, titled “Individual Donors and the 2006 Maryland State Elections,” found some interesting trends in individual contributors, and I learned quite a bit about how individual citizens attempt to influence elections.

Individuals are usually the largest source of a candidate’s funds. Individuals give to campaigns for various reasons, including to support like-minded candidates, to gain access to officials, to support a candidate they personally know, or to enjoy fundraising events.

Over 140,000 individuals contributed to candidates for the 2006 Maryland state elections, with the average donor from Maryland contributing $366. Many gave much more than this amount, with the top 10 individual donors giving more than $14,000. More than one third of individual contributions went to candidates running for the state legislature, and nearly 30% went to the candidates running for governor.

Of all individual contributors who gave to Maryland candidates, 22% were from out of the state .These donors were located mostly in Washington, DC, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, with others giving from other parts of the east coast, California, and Illinois.

The entire CAPC staff put in a great amount of effort to help create this report. You can find it at www.capc.umd.edu.

Elly Scholz is an Undergraduate Research Assistant at CAPC.

CAPC Chairman Tom McMillen Inducted Into Alumni Hall of Fameby Aaron Zaccaria

The Center for American Politics is pleased to congratulate former Congressman Thomas McMillen for his induction into the University of Maryland Hall of Fame.

Inducted on June 5, McMillen became only the 51st member of the Alumni Hall of Fame. Distinguished alumni are inducted only once every five years. No stranger to success, McMillen remains highly involved with his alma mater, the University of Maryland, as a member of the University System Board of Regents as well as Chair of the Advisory Board for the Center for American Politics and Citizenship.

To date, McMillen is the University of Maryland’s only Rhodes Scholar and holds the all-time career scoring average for Maryland Men’s Basketball. He was a three-time All-American Athlete and played on the 1972 U.S. Olympic Basketball Team. McMillen played 11 years in the NBA, retiring in 1986 when he

was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives (4th District, Maryland) where he served three terms. After Congress, he was a Presidential appointee and a successful businessman.

McMillen is still contributing to the University and State community, as a trustee and a member of the Board of Regents. As a participant in CAPC’s yearly career seminar, he has advocated for a multi-disciplinary approach to success for students, citing his foray into areas other than his major as the source of his accomplishments. He has, and will continue to be, one of the leading role models for students of all majors His dedication to public service and the University, his diverse and continued success, and his various business pursuits makes him an inspiration to undergraduates and graduates alike.

The Center for American Politics thanks McMillen for his continued support of our efforts, and congratulates him on his enduring success.

Aaron Zaccaria is a Junior Undergraduate Research Assistant at CAPC.

9 In The Public Interest Fall 2010 WWW.CAPC.UMD.EDU

Dr. Stella Rouse, Assistant Professor in the University of Maryland’s Department of Government and Politics, joined CAPC in March as a Research Fellow. Dr. Rouse earned her Ph.D. in Political Science at Louisiana State University. Her dissertation, titled Latino Representation in U.S. Legislatures: Interests, Behaviors, and Influence, was funded by a disserta-tion grant from the National Science Foundation. Her research and teaching interests focus on minority poli-tics, legislative politics, state politics, public opinion, and research methods.

Valerie Caplan joined the CAPC team in the spring of 2010 as an undergraduate re-search assistant. As a freshman government and politics major, she is a member of the Gem-stone program and the Honors College. After graduation, Valerie hopes to join the Peace Corps before moving on to law school.

Phylicia Graham joined the CAPC team in the spring of 2010 as an undergradu-ate research assistant. She is a junior sociology and govern-ment & politics double major. Since the summer of 2009, she has interned for Congress-woman Donna Christensen, a representative for the Virgin Islands. Phylicia is an alumna of the International Studies College Park Scholars program and was recently awarded the Patricia Mielke Citzenship award.

Edgar Rodriguez joined CAPC for the summer of 2010 as part of the University of Maryland’s Summer Research Initiative program. He is a rising senior at the University of Florida, where he is pursu-ing a double major in political science and linguistics with a concentration in international relations. Before enrolling at

the University of Florida, Edgar served five years as a Navy Corpsman stationed with the Marine Corps, where he served in both Asia and the Middle East. After graduation, Edgar plans to pursue a Ph.D. in political science.

Nicholas Rupkey joined CAPC as a junior undergraduate research assistant in the spring of 2010. He is currently double-majoring in government & poli-tics and finance, and plans to attend law school upon gradu-ation in 2011. Around campus, Nick is known for being the Campus Events Chair for College Park Habitat for Humanity, as well as the Aca-demic Coordinator for the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

Felix Santiago joined CAPC for the summer of 2010 as part of the University of Maryland’s Summer Research Initiative program. Felix is a senior at the University of Puerto Rico, ma-joring in Chemical Engineering with minors in Political Science and Environmental Engineer-ing. After graduation, Felix plans to pursue a Ph.D. in political science and continue on in academia as a faculty member or work for international non-profit organiza-tions.

Elly Scholz is a sophomore who joined the CAPC staff in the spring of 2010. She is currently majoring in Government and Politics with an intent to mi-nor in Germanic studies. Elly recently interned with Congress-man John Sarbanes in the sum-mer of 2009. When not working at CAPC, Elly works as a Community Assistant and participates in the College Park Scholar’s Environmental Technology and Economy program.

CAPC is delighted to welcome our new staff members.

CAPC Grows with Seven Exceptional Student and Faculty Additionsby Aaron Zaccaria

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