EXPERTS ADVISORY

Speaker of the House John Boehner announced that he will resign his seat at the end of October. University of Michigan experts are available to weigh in on the political implications.

Michael Traugott, professor emeritus of communication studies and political science and a senior research scientist at the U-M Center for Political Studies, is an authority on political communication, public opinion and media polling.

“Disunity in the Republican party and dysfunction in the House came to a head today when John Boehner announced his intention to resign from the speakership,” he said.

Contact: 734-763-4702, mtrau@umich.edu

Richard Hall, professor of political science and public policy, has studied participation and representation in Congress, campaign finance reform, legislative oversight and lobbying in Congress.

“I would not call this shocking news, but it reveals just how extreme and unleadable the right wing of the Republican Caucus has become,” he said. “Boehner cares about the Republican Party’s brand, which another government shutdown would seriously damage. The Tea Party faction does not.”

Contact: 734-763-4390, rlhall@umich.edu