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Portland State University Political Science Professor Richard A. Clucas co-edited a groundbreaking book on Oregon politics, Oregon Politics and Government: Progressives versus Conservative Populists.

Released, July 1, 2005, by the University of Nebraska Press, Oregon Politics and Government is a definitive book on Oregon government and the only one of its kind on the market. Using essays from knowledgeable experts and political scholars in Oregon, including PSU professors Melody Rose, Doug Morgan and Clucas, the book includes sixteen chapters covering topics ranging from parties and elections, and the environment to health policy and the Oregon media.

An in-depth look at Oregon politics of the past and present, Oregon Politics and Government examines the divide between the progressives, who support an active government to solve social problems, and the conservative populists who seek a smaller government, lower taxes and fewer restrictions on private property. According to the book, this constant struggle of opinion drives Oregon politics and makes the political leanings of the state appear more "schizophrenic" than progressive.

"Here is a volume that could easily, and with justification, be called the definitive guide to politics in Oregon," said Dan Hays of the Statesman Journal. "The editors know what they are doing...The book consists of a series of solid essays from knowledgeable experts...anyone who hopes to understand Oregon politics needs to read this book. It is an in-depth analysis of where we are and how we got there."

Richard A. Clucas is an associate professor of political science in the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government at Portland State University. He is the editor of Readings and Cases in State and Local Politics and the general editor of About U.S. State Government: An Encyclopedia of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches. Contributing co-editors are Mark Henkels, professor of political science and administration at Western Oregon University; and Brent S. Steel, director for the Master of Public Policy Program at Oregon State University and the author of Environmental Politics and Policy.

Copies of Oregon Politics and Government: Progressives versus Conservative Populists ($29.95, 348 pages, paperback; $55.00, hardbound) are available through the University of Nebraska Press, as well as local and online booksellers (paperback ISBN 0-8032-6436-4; hardbound ISBN 0-8032-1531-2).

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Source: Richard Clucas (503 725-3258)
College of Urban and Public Affairs, Political Science Division