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In the Elections 2012 blog, experts from across The University of Texas at Austin weigh in on the politics and the issues, from the economy, the environment and demographics to immigration, energy, social change and more.

In this first video conversation of our elections series, Department of Government faculty member Sean Theriault discusses the rise of Newt Gingrich as a viable presidential candidate for the Republican Party with James Henson, director of the Texas Politics Project at The University of Texas at Austin. Theriault, drawing on his ongoing research for his book in progress, “The Gingrich Senators,” reveals how Gingrich’s accomplishments as a political tactician during his congressional career are now being reflected in his presidential run.

Learn more about our faculty experts:

Sean Theriault, associate professor of government in the university’s College of Liberal Arts, studies American political institutions, primarily U.S. Congress and party polarization. He is researching the rise of the so-called “Gingrich Senators” and their influence on the U.S. Senate.

James Henson is a lecturer in the Department of Government and directs the Texas Politics Project, which seeks to educate students and Texans about state government, politics and history through a dynamic website and speaker series. It also conducts regular statewide issues and political polls. The Texas Politics Project is The University of Texas at Austin’s home for the UT/Texas Tribune Poll, a statewide survey of public opinion on issues and elections in Texas.