Political scientist’s new book examines role of religion in presidential elections

Author: Kyle Chamberlin

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The role of religion in the 2004 presidential election is the subject of a new book edited by David E. Campbell, John Cardinal OHara, C.S.C., Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Notre Dame.

Published by Brookings Institution Press,A Matter of Faith: Religion in the 2004 Presidential Electionevaluates the claim that moral values were decisive in the contest.

With contributions from 17 experts on religion and politics, including Notre Dame professor emeritus of political science David C. Leege, the book points to exit polls and a strong turnout among evangelical voters as evidence that faith-based values decided the election. Also included are analyses of the strategies used to mobilize religious conservatives, what the 2004 results might mean for future election cycles, and the voting behavior of groups such as evangelicals, African-Americans and the understudied religious left.

Campbell, who earned his doctorate fromHarvardUniversity, joined the Notre Dame faculty in 2002. A fellow of the Institute for Educational Initiatives, he is the author ofWhy We Vote:HowSchoolsand Communities Shape Our Civic Lifeand co-author ofThe Education Gap: Vouchers andUrbanSchoolsandDemocracy at Risk: How Political Choices Have Undermined Citizenship and What We Can Do About It.

* Contact * : David Campbell, 574-631-7809, dave_campbell@nd.educampbell@nd.edu
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