University of Pittsburgh Faculty Experts Available to Discuss the Legacy of Senator Edward M. Kennedy and His Impact on the Senate

PITTSBURGH-With the death of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, the U.S. Senate loses one of the most prolific lawmakers in American history. The following University of Pittsburgh faculty are available to discuss Kennedy's impact and legacy.

Gerald Shuster, an expert in presidential rhetoric and political communication in Pitt's Department of Communication in the School of Arts and Sciences, says "He (Senator Kennedy) has influenced almost every piece of legislation since he joined the senate in 1962. He was most passionate about national health care, civil rights, and labor law." Shuster has taught at Pitt for more than 20 years. He teaches courses in political communication and presidential rhetoric and is a regular contributor to the media on political issues, elections, and candidates.

Contact Gerald Shuster at 412-624-5199 (office), 724-664-3258 (cell), 724-543-2246 (home), or ges3@pitt.edu; or through Trish White.

Susan Hansen is a political science professor in Pitt's School of Arts and Sciences with joint appointments in Women's Studies and the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. She said, "It is unfortunate he didn't live to see a national health care bill enacted." Hansen has expertise in American politics, economic policy, taxation, state and local politics, and women and politics, including state policies affecting women and the impact of women in public office. She has written numerous articles in academic journals. Her book, "Globalization and the Politics of Pay: Policy Choices in the American States" (Georgetown University Press, 2006), analyzes the impact of economic policy choices and labor regulations on adaptation to globalization in the 50 states since 1970.

Contact Susan Hansen at 412-648-7272 (office), 412-661-5666 (home), or sbhansen@pitt.edu; or through Trish White.

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8/26/09/tmw