Lecture March 5 to Address Impact of Super PACs

UCR political scientist Martin Johnson will discuss the impact of unlimited campaign contributions on American politics.

By Bettye Miller on February 28, 2012

RIVERSIDE, Calif. —UC Riverside political scientist Martin Johnson will discuss 2012 primary elections and the impact of “super PACs” on American politics in a lecture on March 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at University Extension Center, Room D, 1200 University Ave., Riverside.

Johnson’s lecture, “Election 2012 Special: The Primaries,” will be presented at the Affiliates of UC Riverside luncheon meeting, which is open to the public. The cost to Affiliates members is $20, or $25 for non-members. Reservations are required by March 4 and may be made by calling (951) 827-5184 or emailing robin.clark@ucr.edu.

On the eve of Super Tuesday, Johnson, an associate professor of political science, will address how “super PACs” have affected the Republican presidential primary and may affect the fall presidential election. Empowered by a Supreme Court ruling, “super PACs” are changing the way presidential campaigns are being funded, he says. Corporations now can spend unlimited amounts of money to influence elections.

“Early results from the Republican primaries indicate that 2012 will be a year of big-money politics,” Johnson says.

He will address whether these activities are likely to continue into the general election, the impact on candidates, and if the result will be a more informed electorate or a more disenchanted electorate.

 Johnson’s research and teaching at UCR focus on American political behavior and public policy. He has published papers on social diversity and racial attitudes, public opinion, and voting behavior. His research has appeared in the American Journal of Political Science, Electoral Studies, Legislative Studies Quarterly, Political Analysis, and State Politics and Policy Quarterly.

Archived under: Politics/Society, american political behavior, electorate, pacs, Political Science, presidential campaigns, press release, primary elections, voting

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