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Keith Boeckelman, Western Illinois University Associate Professor of Political Science
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Boeckelman to Sign Book on Barack Obama March 22

March 14, 2008

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MACOMB, IL - - Keith Boeckelman, co-author of the new book "Barack Obama, The New Face of American Politics," published in December 2007 by Praeger Press, will sign copies of his book from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, March 22 at New Copperfield's Book Service, 120 N. Side Square, Macomb.

An associate professor of political science at Western Illinois University, Boeckelman co-authored the book about Obama with Martin Dupuis, a former member of Western's political science faculty, Pre-Law Honors adviser and acting director of Western's Centennial Honors College who is currently assistant dean of the Burnett Honors College at the University of Central Florida.

In "Barack Obama, The New Face of American Politics," Boeckelman and Dupuis explore the role of money, political party, ethnicity, religion and issues facing American society; and they analyze Obama's ability to speak to the concerns of multiple constituencies by appealing to voters transcending race, class and gender.

"From the first time I heard him speak in Macomb, I was impressed by his dynamism and charisma," Boeckelman said. "I thought that he would be a politician that would have a national impact, although not necessarily this fast."

Boeckelman also serves as a research fellow at the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA) at Western Illinois University, with interest focuses on state and local government policy issues, especially in the areas of economic development and environmental policies. His articles have appeared in a number of journals, including "Policy Studies Journal," "State and Local Government Review," "Journal of Black Studies," "Economic Development Quarterly," "Publius: The Journal of Federalism," "Polity" and "Southeastern Political Review."

At Western, Boeckelman teaches courses in public policy, public administration, state and local government and American politics. He was the Spring 2007 recipient of the College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Teaching Award.

Boeckelman joined Western's faculty in 2002. He previously taught at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (1996-1998), Louisiana State University (1990-1996) and Texas A&M University (1989-1990). He also served as a legislative analyst for the Illinois House of Representatives (1983-1985).

Boeckelman received his Ph.D. (1990) in political science, specializing in public policy and administration, and his Master of Arts (1987) degree in political science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He earned Bachelor of Arts (1983) degrees in economics and political science at Drake University.

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