MEADVILLE, Pa., — Daniel M. Shea, professor of political science and director of the Center for Political Participation at Allegheny College is available to provide political analysis on Pennsylvania's 3rd District House race.

"This race proves the old adage that 'all politics is local' — except when it isn't," said Shea. "The wave of change crashed over the head of Mr. English and all of his constituent service, all of his experience couldn't hold back the water. It was a stunning victory for a first-time candidate and a stunning defeat for a veteran of the House. It speaks volumes about the 2008 election," said Shea.

Shea moderated the first debate between Kathy Dalhkemper and Phil English, which was held at Allegheny College on Oct. 8, and provided post-debate analysis for a second debate, which was held in Erie on Oct. 23.

An expert on American electoral politics, especially as it relates to young voters, Shea is a reliable resource for journalists worldwide, having provided insight to reporting for news organizations including the Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, Gannett and McClatchy, as well as for specific publications including The New York Times, Washington Post, Philadelphia Inquirer, Post-Gazette, Roll Call, Minneapolis Star Tribune, Dallas Morning News, Campaigns & Elections, Salon.com and others.

Shea has written or edited 12 books on the American electoral process. His most recent project, "Living Democracy" (Prentice Hall, 2007), is a text on American government designed to inspire young Americans to become more engaged in the political process. In 2007 Shea also edited, with John C. Green, "The Fountain of Youth: Strategies and Tactics for Mobilizing America's Young Voters" (Rowman and Littlefield).

In 2002 Shea founded Allegheny College's Center for Political Participation, which is dedicated to fostering an appreciation for the vital link between an engaged, active citizenry and a healthy democracy. He teaches courses in American politics, parties and elections, Congress, the presidency, research methods, politics of the media, and pop culture and politics, as well as seminars in civic engagement and the contemporary election process.

Shea has served as a professor at Lafayette College and the University of Akron and has worked in politics with the New York State Assembly. He has a bachelor of arts in political science and American studies from the State University of New York at Oswego and a master of arts in campaign management/applied politics from the University of West Florida. He earned a Ph.D. in political science from the State University of New York at Albany.