Expert panel examines policies of presidential candidates

Experts from around Michigan will gather for a panel discussion to examine the policies of John McCain and Barak Obama and how they will impact Michigan.

Grand Valley State University's Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies and Michigan Radio have partnered to sponsor, "Choosing Michigan's Future: Economy, Energy, Environment, and the 2008 Presidential Race."

Experts will be joined by advocates for both the Obama and McCain campaigns to help explain their views on various topics. The discussion is scheduled for Monday, October 27, at 7 p.m., in Loosemore Auditorium at the DeVos Center of Grand Valley’s Pew Grand Rapids Campus, 410 W. Fulton.

“The November election is shaping up to be one of the most important in a lifetime,” said Gleaves Whitney, director of the Hauenstein Center. “Given all the uncertainty surrounding our economy and energy security, Americans need answers. We are fortunate to be able to bring together so much expertise on one stage. Students and the public are in for a full-throttle debate.”

Panelists include:

• Joe Schwarz, former Republican congressman from Michigan’s 7th District, who supports John McCain
• Mark Brewer, chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party, who supports Barak Obama
• Mark Coscarelli, vice president for Great Lakes and Environmental Research at Public Sector Consultants, who will speak about environmental issues
• Paul Isley, associate professor of economics at Grand Valley State University, who will speak about economic issues
• Imad Mahawili, executive director of Grand Valley’s Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center, who will speak about energy issues

The panel will be moderated by Michigan Radio’s Jack Lessenberry. For more information, contact the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at (616) 331-2770.