Nashville
Current Research Projects
Lincoln
Little Rock
My primary research interests center around issues of representation, elections and redistricting. My broad interests in redistricting focuses on how the use of varying rules and formats for the process can limit the ability for gerrymandering.
This was focus of my book released in 2008 from Lexington Books.
I am also currently working on a piece that examines when the courts get involved in the redistricting process and on a paper with Seth Masket and Gerald Wright that looks at the how who draws the plans influence electoral outcomes and legislative behavior.
Related to my work in redistricting is a broader interest in political geography. In a paper with Michael Wagner, we examine how district lines intersect around county borders and the influences of these configurations can have on voter knowledge and participation.
In addition, I am working with Tom Carsey and Bill Berry on a paper that looks at the role of the personal vote and the connection between legislators and constituents. I am also working on paper with Scott Lasley and Kedron Bardwell that examines the effects of Maine's Clean Election laws.
While much of my work focuses at the state legislative level, I also examine Congressional elections and redistricting as well.
Madison
Harrisburg
I also work with Gerald Wright, Tracy Osborn, and Jennifer Clark Representation in America's Legislature's Project. This is our main source for data on legislative behavior and representation. We have collected roll call data for all 50 states for the 1999-2000 and 2003-2004 legislative sessions.
Charleston
Baton Rouge
A new project looks at racial identity, representation, and the Louisiana Black Caucus. Working with Jas Sullivan, we examine the role, influence, and effectiveness of the Louisiana Black Caucus. We are also looking at changing patterns of representation and policymaking in the Louisiana legislature since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005.
Austin