Suffolk University - Archive 2008

7NEWS/Suffolk University Poll Kicks Off a Week of New Hampshire Tracking Polls to be Aired at 6:30 a.m. Daily on Channel 7NEWS

MANCHESTER, NH – With the New Hampshire Presidential Primaries just one week away, John McCain (31 percent) has overtaken Mitt Romney (25 percent) in the battle for the Republican nomination, according to a 7NEWS/Suffolk University poll released today. In last month’s 7NEWS/Suffolk University poll, McCain trailed Romney by 12 percent.

This is the first poll that has John McCain in first place in New Hampshire since 7News/Suffolk University began polling this race in March 2007.

Rudy Giuliani continues to poll third, with 14 percent, followed by Mike Huckabee (9 percent), Ron Paul (6 percent), Fred Thompson (2 percent), and Alan Keyes (1 percent). Twelve percent were undecided.

	January ’08	December ’07	Percent Change
John McCain	31 percent	19 percent	+12
Mitt Romney	25 percent	31 percent	-6
Rudy Giuliani	14 percent	17 percent	-3
Mike Huckabee	9 percent	10 percent	-1

“Many of the Republican candidates have been talking about faith, but it looks like John McCain is headed for a religious experience in the Granite State,” said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center. “If these numbers hold up, New Hampshire Republicans may give McCain the nickname of Lazarus, rising from the dead.”

A string of newspaper endorsements for McCain, coupled with news articles questioning Romney’s consistency, have forced Romney to air attack ads on McCain in hopes of shifting the spotlight and salvaging a win here. The negative ads may have backfired for Romney, who has outspent McCain in New Hampshire by a wide margin.

“These poll results put a lot more pressure on Romney to do well in Iowa,” said Paleologos. “A Romney win in the Hawkeye state could reestablish his once strong position in New Hampshire with time enough for one more pendulum swing.”

In the Democratic Primary, the 7NEWS/Suffolk University poll also shows that Hillary Clinton has opened up a significant lead on Barack Obama and John Edwards. Some 36 percent of likely voters in the Democratic Primary supported Hillary Clinton, while 22 percent chose Barack Obama, and 14 percent selected John Edwards. Lagging behind were Bill Richardson (7 percent), Joe Biden (4 percent), Dennis Kucinich (3 percent), and Christopher Dodd (1 percent). Twelve percent of Democratic voters were undecided.

	January ’08	December ’07	Percent Change
Hillary Clinton	36 percent	33 percent	+3
Barack Obama	22 percent	26 percent	- 4
John Edwards	14 percent	15 percent	- 1
Undecided	12 percent	19 percent	- 7

“The Hillary Clinton machine survived last month’s doldrums and emerged stronger,” said Paleologos. “Democrats danced with Obama in December, but haven’t stayed with him.”

When voters from both parties were asked to predict the respective winners of the Iowa Caucuses, New Hampshire Democrats said Hillary Clinton (34 percent) would win, followed by Barack Obama (19 percent) and John Edwards (8 percent), while 35 percent weren’t sure. New Hampshire Republicans said Mike Huckabee (30 percent) would win Iowa, followed by Mitt Romney (24 percent), John McCain (10 percent), and Rudy Giuliani (7 percent), while 27 percent were undecided.

This poll kicks off a series of daily New Hampshire tracking polls to be conducted by 7NEWS/Suffolk University. Each poll will consider 250 likely Democratic and Republican primary voters statewide each day. A two-day rolling average of 500 Democrats and 500 Republicans will be reported every morning at 6:30 a.m. on 7NEWS Today in New England. Suffolk University Adjunct Professor David Paleologos will be available all week in Manchester, N.H., to comment on the latest trends and demographics and to offer political analysis. He may be reached at 781-290-9310 or 646-228-4448.

This 7NEWS-Suffolk University poll was conducted from Dec. 27 to Dec. 31, 2007. The margin of error for each party subsample of 300 respondents is +/- 5.65 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. The 600-respondent margin of error is +/- 4 percent. All respondents were likely voters in the Jan. 8, 2008, New Hampshire presidential primary. Charts, marginals and 172 pages of cross-tabulation data will be available on the Suffolk University Political Research Center Web site at 6 p.m. on Jan. 1, 2008.

Jan. 2, 2008 -- McCain & Clinton Extend Leads in N.H. Primaries

7NEWS/Suffolk University Tracking poll shows Romney, Obama & Giuliani continuing slide

MANCHESTER, NH – With the New Hampshire Presidential Primaries just six days away, John McCain and Hillary Clinton are their respective party’s front-runners, according to a 7NEWS/Suffolk University poll released today.

In the Republican Primary, McCain (32 percent) led Mitt Romney (23 percent), Rudy Giuliani (11 percent), Mike Huckabee (10 percent), Ron Paul (8 percent), Fred Thompson (2 percent) and Duncan Hunter (1 percent). Thirteen percent were undecided. Rudy Giuliani’s numbers have declined in six consecutive polls, from a high of 37 percent in March 2007 to 11 percent as of Jan. 2, 2008.

Daily Difference - Republicans

	Jan. 2	Jan. 1	Percent Change
John McCain	32 percent	31 percent	+1
Mitt Romney	23 percent	25 percent	- 2
Rudy Giuliani	11 percent	14 percent	- 3
Mike Huckabee	10 percent	9 percent	+1

McCain led 46 percent-to-24 percent among older voters. He also led among both registered Republicans and independents, the latter a former stronghold of the Romney campaign. In addition, Ron Paul’s third-place showing among independents (11 percent) may reduce the available independent pie left on election day.

“Straight talk never gets old,” said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center. “The question is: Can John McCain survive a third-place finish in Iowa if Mitt Romney storms into New Hampshire with a first- or second-place win.”

In the Democratic Primary, the 7NEWS/Suffolk University poll also shows that Clinton (37 percent) continues to lead Barack Obama (20 percent), John Edwards (16 percent), Bill Richardson (5 percent), Joe Biden (3 percent), Christopher Dodd (1 percent) and Dennis Kucinich (1 percent). Sixteen percent were undecided.

Daily Difference - Democrats

	Jan. 2	Jan. 1	Percent Change
Hillary Clinton	37 percent	36 percent	+1
Barack Obama	20 percent	22 percent	- 2
John Edwards	16 percent	14 percent	+2
Undecided	16 percent	12 percent	+4

Clinton led Obama 41 percent-to-18 percent among registered Democrats, 40 percent-to-18 percent among women, and 39 percent-to-13 percent among voters age 65 and older. However, one out of four elderly voters (25 percent) was still undecided in the Democratic Primary.

“Hillary Clinton has methodically locked up the most reliable voters. In addition, she has widespread support geographically in the four major regions of the state, right down to the county level.”

When voters from each party were asked who they thought would be the next president of the United States regardless of whom they currently support , Democrats chose Clinton (40 percent) and Obama (18 percent), with 30 percent undecided. Republicans predicted Romney (19 percent), McCain (15 percent), Clinton (12 percent) and Giuliani (10 percent). Thirty-three percent were undecided.

This poll kicks off a series of daily tracking polls conducted by 7NEWS/Suffolk University. Each poll will consist of 250 likely voters statewide each day from the Democratic and Republican Primaries. A two-day rolling average of 500 Democrats and 500 Republicans will be reported every morning at 6:30 a.m. on “7NEWS Today in New England.” Suffolk University Adjunct Professor David Paleologos will be available all week from Manchester, N.H., to comment on the latest trends and demographics and to offer political analysis. He may be reached at 781-290-9310 or 646-228-4448.

The 7NEWS-Suffolk University tracking poll was conducted Dec. 31, 2007, and Jan. 1, 2008. The margin of error for each party subsample of 500 respondents is +/- 4.38 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. The 1,000 respondent margin of error is +/- 3.10 percent. All respondents are likely voters for the respective New Hampshire presidential primaries on Jan. 8, 2008. Charts, marginals and 54 pages of cross-tabulation data will be posted on the Suffolk University Political Research Center Web site on Jan. 2, 2008.

Jan. 3, 2008 -- Romney Closing Gap on McCain in NH GOP Primary; Clinton Maintains Lead in Democratic Primary

7NEWS/Suffolk University Poll Releases Third Day of Tracking Polls

MANCHESTER, NH – With the New Hampshire Presidential Primaries just five days away, Mitt Romney is within striking distance of John McCain in the Republican Primary while Hillary Clinton maintains her lead over the field in the Democratic Primary, according to a 7NEWS/Suffolk University poll released today.

In the Republican Primary, McCain (29 percent) led Romney (25 percent), while Mike Huckabee (12 percent) moved into third place, ahead of Rudy Giuliani (9 percent), Ron Paul (8 percent), Fred Thompson (2 percent), and Duncan Hunter (1 percent). Fourteen percent were undecided. Giuliani’s numbers have declined in seven consecutive polls, from a high of 37 percent in March 2007 to 9 percent as of Jan. 3, 2008.

Daily Difference

	January 3	January 2	Percent Change
John McCain	29 percent	32 percent	- 3
Mitt Romney	25 percent	23 percent	+2
Mike Huckabee	12 percent	10 percent	+2
Rudy Giuliani	9 percent	11 percent	- 2

Romney gained in all but three voter categories, where McCain maintained double-digit leads: McCain led Romney 32 percent-to-21 percent among independents; 41 percent-to-26 percent among voters over 65 years of age; and 37 percent-to-17 percent among voters in central New Hampshire, including Belknap, Merrimack, and Strafford counties.

“Romney is closing strong in New Hampshire pre-Iowa,” said Suffolk University Political Research Center Director David Paleologos. “But the war waged on the air by McCain and Romney could take its toll on both of them, with 42 percent of Republican voters saying they’re likely to change their minds next Tuesday.”

(1 of 2)

In the Democratic Primary, the 7NEWS/Suffolk University poll shows that Clinton (39 percent) continues to lead Barack Obama (23 percent), John Edwards (17 percent), Bill Richardson (5 percent), Joe Biden (2 percent) and Dennis Kucinich (1 percent). Eleven percent were undecided.

Daily Difference

	January 3	January 2	Percent Change
Hillary Clinton	39 percent	37 percent	+2
Barack Obama	23 percent	20 percent	+3
John Edwards	17 percent	16 percent	+1
Undecided	11 percent	16 percent	- 5

Although the undecided number dropped considerably, no candidate received the lion’s share of that change; Clinton, Obama and Edwards all gained. Clinton led Obama 44 percent-to-19 percent among registered Democrats, 42 percent-to-22 percent among women, and 41 percent-to-21 percent among voters ages 65 or older.

“At age 60, Hillary Clinton is closing in on 40 (percent) in New Hampshire,” said Paleologos. “With Barack Obama and John Edwards viable, Clinton’s 40 percent may be good enough to win New Hampshire.”

The poll released today is the third of a series of daily tracking polls conducted by 7NEWS/Suffolk University leading up to the Jan. 8 Primary. Each poll consists of 250 likely voters statewide each day from the Democratic and Republican Primaries. A two-day rolling average of 500 Democrats and 500 Republicans is reported every morning at 6:30 a.m. on “7NEWS Today in New England.” Suffolk University Adjunct Professor David Paleologos will be available all week from Manchester, N.H., to comment on the latest trends and demographics and to offer political analysis. He may be reached at 781-290-9310 or 646-228-4448.

The 7NEWS-Suffolk University tracking poll was conducted Jan. 1 and Jan. 2. The margin of error for each party subsample of 500 respondents is +/- 4.38 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. The 1,000-respondent margin of error is +/- 3.10 percent. All respondents were likely voters for the respective New Hampshire Presidential Primaries on Jan. 8, 2008. Charts, marginals and 54 pages of cross-tabulation data will be posted on the Suffolk University Political Research Center Web site -- www.suffolk.edu/research/18108.html -- on Jan. 3, 2008.

Jan. 4, 2008 -- Romney Takes Back Lead from McCain in NH GOP Primary; Clinton Holding Off Obama in Dem. Primary

7NEWS/Suffolk University Tracking Poll

MANCHESTER, NH – With the New Hampshire Presidential Primaries just four days away, Mitt Romney has taken back the lead from John McCain in the Republican Primary, while Hillary Clinton maintains her lead over Iowa Caucus Democratic winner Barack Obama, according to a 7NEWS/Suffolk University poll released today.

In the Republican Primary, Romney (29 percent) led McCain (25 percent), while Iowa Caucus Republican winner Mike Huckabee (13 percent) continued to gain ground. Candidates remaining static were Rudy Giuliani (9 percent), Ron Paul (8 percent), Fred Thompson (2 percent) and Duncan Hunter (1 percent). Twelve percent were undecided. Giuliani’s numbers have either declined or stayed the same in eight consecutive polls, from a high of 37 percent in March 2007 to 9 percent as of Jan. 4, 2008.

Daily Difference

	January 4	January 3	Percent Change
Mitt Romney	29 percent	25 percent	+4
John McCain	25 percent	29 percent	- 4
Mike Huckabee	13 percent	12 percent	+1
Rudy Giuliani	9 percent	9 percent	No Change

“Romney knows where his strengths are, and now he’s doing something about his weaknesses,” said Suffolk University Political Research Center Director David Paleologos. “He’s essentially erased McCain’s advantage among older voters, and the focus of that constituency is smart politics. Historically, older folks are the most reliable voting block; they turn out.”

Romney is now challenging what had formerly been McCain’s stronghold of older voters (ages 65+). Romney still trails McCain 35 percent-to-33 percent but has made significant gains. Another 16 percent is undecided and up for grabs. In addition, Romney’s advance can be attributed to very strong support among young women ages 18-45 years, where Romney now leads McCain 34 percent-to-20 percent. Huckabee also is polling 20 percent in this category.

In the Democratic Primary, the 7NEWS/Suffolk University poll also shows that Clinton (37 percent) continues to lead Obama (25 percent), John Edwards (15 percent), Bill Richardson (4 percent), Joe Biden (2 percent) and Dennis Kucinich (1 percent). Twelve percent were undecided.

Daily Difference

	January 4	January 3	Percent Change
Hillary Clinton	37 percent	39 percent	- 2
Barack Obama	25 percent	23 percent	+2
John Edwards	15 percent	17 percent	- 2
Undecided	12 percent	11 percent	+1

“Although Clinton led most categories, Obama led Clinton 33 percent-to-30 percent among young independent voters, the same demographic that propelled him to victory in Iowa. The question now becomes: Can Clinton sustain her current advantage across the board.”

The poll released today is the fourth of a series of daily tracking polls conducted by 7NEWS/Suffolk University leading up to the Jan. 8 Primary. Each poll consists of 250 likely voters statewide each day from the Democratic and Republican Primaries. A two-day rolling average of 500 Democrats and 500 Republicans is reported every morning at 6:30 a.m. on “7NEWS Today in New England.”

Suffolk University Adjunct Professor David Paleologos will be available all week in Manchester, N.H., to comment on the latest trends and demographics and to offer political analysis. He may be reached at 781-290-9310 or 646-228-4448.

The 7NEWS-Suffolk University tracking poll was conducted Jan. 2 and Jan. 3. The margin of error for each party subsample of 500 respondents is +/- 4.38 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. The 1,000-respondent margin of error is +/- 3.10 percent. All respondents were likely voters for the respective New Hampshire Presidential Primaries on Jan. 8, 2008. Charts, marginals and 54 pages of cross-tabulation data will be posted on the Suffolk University Political Research Center Web site -- www.suffolk.edu/research/18108.html -- on Jan. 4, 2008.

Jan. 5, 2008 -- Obama Advances on Clinton in NH Democratic Primary; Romney Fending Off McCain in GOP Primary

7NEWS/Suffolk University Tracking Poll

MANCHESTER, NH – On the heels of an Iowa caucus win, Sen. Barack Obama is within striking distance of Hillary Clinton with just three days to go until New Hampshire voters go to the polls, according to a new 7NEWS/Suffolk University tracking poll released this morning.

In the Democratic Primary, Clinton (36 percent) leads Obama (29 percent), John Edwards (13 percent), Bill Richardson (4 percent), Joe Biden (1 percent), Dennis Kucinich (1 percent) and Mike Gravel (1 percent). Twelve percent were undecided.

Daily Difference

	January 5	January 4	Percent Change
Hillary Clinton	36 percent	37 percent	- 1
Barack Obama	29 percent	25 percent	+4
John Edwards	13 percent	15 percent	- 2
Undecided	12 percent	12 percent	No Change

“Coming into New Hampshire, Barack Obama has the cool wind from his Iowa win at his back,” said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center. “He’s climbed four points overnight; Hillary Clinton has dropped one; and O-mentum is in the air.”

On a Jan. 3 7NEWS (WHDH-TV) broadcast, Paleologos said that three events must occur for Obama to catch Clinton: Win Iowa; mobilize young and new voters on election day; and capitalize on a John Edwards collapse in New Hampshire in the final days. Two of these scenarios have come to pass. The third is an open question: Can Edwards maintain his current level of support?

Obama’s gains were most dramatic among young voters in New Hampshire who may have been energized by the Iowa win. Among likely voters ages 18-35, Obama led Clinton 44 percent-to-31 percent, compared to the previous tracking, where he trailed Clinton 35 percent-to-31 percent.

In the Republican Primary, the 7NEWS/Suffolk University poll also shows Mitt Romney (30 percent) leading John McCain (26 percent), while Iowa Caucus Republican winner Mike Huckabee and Rudy Giuliani were tied for third at 11 percent. Following up were Ron Paul (8 percent), Fred Thompson (2 percent) and Duncan Hunter (1 percent). Ten percent were undecided. This is the first time in nine consecutive polls that Giuliani has improved his numbers from a previous poll.

Daily Difference

January 5 January 4 Percent Change

Mitt Romney 30 percent 29 percent +1

John McCain 26 percent 25 percent +1

Mike Huckabee 11 percent 13 percent - 2

Rudy Giuliani 11 percent 9 percent +2

“It would seem that the voters in the two counties that border Massachusetts have adopted former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney as their favorite son,” said Paleologos. “The question now is: Will they turn out so that Romney can trade up Iowa’s silver medal for New Hampshire’s gold?”

Romney held 17-point leads in both bordering counties: Hillsborough (38 percent-to-21 percent) and Rockingham (41 percent-to-24 percent). These two counties account for more than half of the expected likely votes cast in the Republican Primary. McCain led Romney in the remaining eight smaller counties.

With no apparent bounce registered, Iowa Caucus winner Huckabee seems destined for a third place finish – or worse.

The poll released today is the fifth in a series of daily tracking polls conducted by 7NEWS/Suffolk University leading up to the Jan. 8 Primary. Each poll consists of 250 likely voters statewide each day from the Democratic and Republican Primaries. A two-day rolling average of 500 Democrats and 500 Republicans is reported every morning at 6:30 a.m. on “7NEWS Today in New England.”

The 7NEWS-Suffolk University tracking poll was conducted Jan. 3 and Jan. 4. The margin of error for each party subsample of 500 respondents is +/- 4.38 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. The 1,000-respondent margin of error is +/- 3.10 percent. All respondents were likely voters for the respective New Hampshire presidential primaries on Jan. 8, 2008. Charts, marginals and 54 pages of cross-tabulation data will be posted on the Suffolk University Political Research Center Web site -- www.suffolk.edu/research/18108.html -- on Jan. 5, 2008.

Jan. 6, 2008 -- It’s Neck and Neck in New Hampshire: Obama in Statistical Tie with Clinton in Democratic Primary; Romney and McCain in Match Race in GOP Primary

7NEWS/Suffolk University tracking poll

MANCHESTER, N.H. – Two days before voters go to the polls in the New Hampshire Primaries, Democrats Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are in a statistical tie. Meanwhile, Mitt Romney and John McCain are deadlocked in the Republican Primary, according to a 7NEWS/Suffolk University tracking poll released this morning.

In the Democratic Primary, Clinton (35 percent) leads Obama (33 percent), John Edwards (14 percent), Bill Richardson (5 percent), Dennis Kucinich (1 percent) and Mike Gravel (1 percent). Eleven percent were undecided.

Daily Difference

	January 6	January 5	Percent Change
Hillary Clinton	35 percent	36 percent	- 1
Barack Obama	33 percent	29 percent	+4
John Edwards	14 percent	13 percent	+1
Undecided	11 percent	12 percent	- 1

“Barack Obama has cut a seventeen-point deficit to just two points today,” said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center. “He’s done this in four days with no sign of a slowing trend.”

Edwards remains viable at 14 percent, which is helping Clinton maintain a slight edge. However, if in the last 48 hours Edwards voters choose one of the top two candidates, survey research suggests that Edwards’ demographics already are predisposed to rotating to Obama.

Also, among likely voters ages 18-35, Obama extended his lead over Clinton to a whopping 51-percent-to-26-percent margin, compared to the previous tracking, where he led Clinton 44 percent-to-31 percent.

In the Republican Primary, the 7NEWS/Suffolk University poll shows Romney (30 percent) leading McCain (27 percent), followed by Rudy Giuliani (10 percent), Ron Paul (9 percent), Mike Huckabee (7 percent), Fred Thompson (2 percent) and Duncan Hunter (1 percent). Twelve percent were undecided. Paul is now polling ahead of Iowa Caucus winner Huckabee.

Daily Difference

	January 6	January 5	Percent Change
Mitt Romney	30 percent	30 percent	No Change
John McCain	27 percent	26 percent	+1
Rudy Giuliani	10 percent	11 percent	- 1
Ron Paul	9 percent	8 percent	+1

“Ron Paul could be to Mitt Romney what Ralph Nader was to Al Gore – a spoiler. He seems to be the repository of the disaffected, anti-establishment, libertarian-leaning conservative wing of the Republican Party,” said Paleologos.

Paul’s 16 percent showing among voters ages 18-35 is taking votes away from Romney, who leads McCain (29 percent-to-21 percent) in that category.

Romney continued to lead McCain in both Massachusetts bordering counties: Hillsborough (38 percent-to-23 percent) and Rockingham (35 percent-to-22 percent). These two counties account for more than half of the expected likely votes cast in the Republican Primary. McCain led Romney in the remaining eight smaller counties.

The poll released today is the sixth in a series of daily tracking polls conducted by 7NEWS/Suffolk University leading up to the Jan. 8 Primary. Each poll consists of 250 likely voters statewide each day from the Democratic and Republican Primaries. A two-day rolling average of 500 Democrats and 500 Republicans is reported every morning at 9 a.m. on “7NEWS Today in New England.”

Suffolk University Adjunct Professor David Paleologos is available all week in Manchester, N.H., to comment on the latest trends and demographics and to offer political analysis. He may be reached at 781-290-9310 or 646-228-4448.

The 7NEWS-Suffolk University tracking poll was conducted Jan. 4 and Jan. 5. The margin of error for each party subsample of 500 respondents is +/- 4.38 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. The 1,000-respondent margin of error is +/- 3.10 percent. All respondents were likely voters for the respective New Hampshire presidential primaries on Jan. 8, 2008. Charts, marginals and 54 pages of cross-tabulation data will be posted on the Suffolk University Political Research Center Web site -- www.suffolk.edu/research/18108.html -- on Jan. 6, 2008.

Jan. 7, 2008 -- New Hampshire Voters See Obama Presidency

Obama Overtakes Clinton in Democratic Primary
Romney Maintains Lead -- but Within Margin of Error

MANCHESTER, NH – For the first time in a 7NEWS/Suffolk University poll, Barack Obama has toppled longtime front-runner Hillary Clinton -- by 1 percent, well within the margin of error. But, perhaps more significantly, with one day until they go to the polls, likely voters in the New Hampshire Primaries believe that Barack Obama will be the next president of the United States.

In the Democratic Primary, Obama (35 percent) leads Clinton (34 percent), John Edwards (15 percent) and Bill Richardson (3 percent). Eleven percent were undecided.

Daily Difference

	January 7	January 6	Percent Change
Barack Obama	35 percent	33 percent	+ 2
Hillary Clinton	34 percent	35 percent	- 1
John Edwards	15 percent	14 percent	+1
Undecided	11 percent	11 percent	No Change

“When asked who will be the next president of the United States, 35 percent chose Obama, and 29 percent said Clinton,” said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center. “Perception drives reality, and the reality is that independents are fueling this movement by a 35-percent-to-22-percent margin. Even 11 percent of likely New Hampshire Republican voters think Obama will be the next president.”

Edwards continues to hold his own at 15 percent.

In the Republican Primary, the 7NEWS/Suffolk University poll also shows the margin remains the same as it has for the past three days, essentially a dead heat. Mitt Romney (30 percent) led John McCain (27 percent), followed by Rudy Giuliani (10 percent), Mike Huckabee (9 percent) Ron Paul (8 percent), and Fred Thompson (2 percent). Thirteen percent were undecided.

Daily Difference

	January 7	January 6	Percent Change
Mitt Romney	30 percent	30 percent	No Change
John McCain	27 percent	27 percent	No Change
Rudy Giuliani	10 percent	10 percent	No Change
Undecided	13 percent	12 percent	+1

“The front-runners remain fixed in their positions,” said Paleologos. “Republican voters may have been waiting to get one last look at their candidates in a debate last night. Whether that forum changes minds or not remains to be seen. It’s a cliché perhaps, but what is clear from these numbers is that the campaigns must shift to the ground war.”

The poll released today is the seventh in a series of daily tracking polls conducted by 7NEWS/Suffolk University leading up to the Jan. 8 Primary. Each poll consists of 250 likely voters statewide each day from the Democratic and Republican Primaries. A two-day rolling average of 500 Democrats and 500 Republicans is reported every morning at 9 a.m. on “7NEWS Today in New England.”

Suffolk University Adjunct Professor David Paleologos is available all week in Manchester, N.H., to comment on the latest trends and demographics and to offer political analysis. He may be reached at 781-290-9310 or 646-228-4448.

The 7NEWS-Suffolk University tracking poll was conducted Jan. 5 and Jan. 6. The margin of error for each party subsample of 500 respondents is +/- 4.38 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. The 1,000-respondent margin of error is +/- 3.10 percent. All respondents were likely voters for the respective New Hampshire presidential primaries on Jan. 8, 2008. Charts, marginals and 54 pages of cross-tabulation data will be posted on the Suffolk University Political Research Center Web site -- www.suffolk.edu/research/18108.html -- on Jan. 7, 2008.

Jan. 8, 2008 -- 7News/Suffolk University Poll: Maverick Independents Rock Granite State

Obama Extends Lead over Clinton in Democratic Primary; Undecided Independents in GOP Primary Are Kingmakers

MANCHESTER, NH – On the strength of independent and young voters, Barack Obama has opened up a five-point lead over Hillary Rodham Clinton, according to a 7NEWS/Suffolk University two-day rolling average tracking poll released today. The flow of these voters to Obama is a dynamic that mirrors Iowa’s Democratic Caucus.

Meanwhile, 19 percent of independents who say they will take a Republican ballot remain undecided. They are poised to play the role of kingmaker in the McCain-Romney fight.

In the Democratic Primary, Obama (39 percent) leads Clinton (34 percent), John Edwards (15 percent) and Bill Richardson (4 percent). Eight percent were undecided.

Daily Difference

	Jaunary 8	January 7	Percent Change
Barack Obama	39 percent	35 percent	+4
Hillary Clinton	34 percent	34 percent	No Change
John Edwards	15 percent	15 percent	No Change
Bill Richardson	4 percent	3 percent	+1
Undecided	8 percent	11 percent	- 3

“Today, New Hampshire Democratic Primary voters seem ready to ratify the history made by Barack Obama in Iowa and etch it granite,” said Professor David Paleologos, director of the Political Research Center at Boston’s Suffolk University. “Obama’s widespread support extends to nine of ten counties, excluding Rockingham County, where he polls twenty-three percent to Clinton’s forty-five percent and John Edwards’ twenty-five percent.”

Paleologos noted that Obama has cut into Clinton’s base of elderly voter support: He now trails Clinton by 41 percent-to-34 percent, where two days ago the margin was 42 percent-to-29 percent.

In the Republican Primary, the 7NEWS/Suffolk University poll shows Mitt Romney maintaining a slim lead, within the margin of error, leaving the race essentially where it has been for the last three days: a dead heat. Romney (30 percent) led John McCain (26 percent), followed by Mike Huckabee (13 percent), Rudy Giuliani (11 percent), Ron Paul (5 percent), Fred Thompson (2 percent) and Duncan Hunter (1 percent). Ten percent were undecided.

Daily Difference

	January 8	January 7	Percent Change
Mitt Romney	30 percent	30 percent	No Change
John McCain	26 percent	27 percent	- 1
Mike Huckabee	13 percent	9 percent	+4
Rudy Giuliani	11 percent	10 percent	+1
Ron Paul	5 percent	8 percent	- 3
Undecided	10 percent	13 percent	- 3

“The Republican race is destined to be decided by the turnout of New Hampshire’s notoriously maverick voters,” said Paleologos. “Mitt Romney’s lead over John McCain is fairly static at four percent. Mike Huckabee has seen an uptick of four percentage points, setting up a contest for third place with Rudy Giuliani, while Ron Paul’s support has declined from eight percent to five percent.”

“It would be ironic if independent voters wind up deciding the winner of the Republican contest, but with nineteen percent of independents who say they will vote Republican still undecided, that just may well be what happens,” he said.

The poll released today is the eighth and final in a series of daily tracking polls conducted by 7NEWS/Suffolk University leading up to today’s Primary. Each poll consists of 250 likely voters statewide each day from the Democratic and Republican Primaries. A two-day rolling average of 500 Democrats and 500 Republicans has been reported every morning at 6:30 a.m. on “7NEWS Today in New England.”

Suffolk University Adjunct Professor David Paleologos is in Manchester today based at the Radisson Hotel and available to comment on the latest trends and demographics and to offer political analysis. He may be reached at 781-290-9310 or 646-228-4448.

The 7NEWS-Suffolk University tracking poll was conducted Jan. 6 and Jan. 7. The margin of error for each party subsample of 500 respondents is +/- 4.38 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. The 1,000-respondent margin of error is +/- 3.10 percent. All respondents were likely voters for the respective New Hampshire presidential primaries on Jan. 8, 2008. Charts, marginals and 54 pages of cross-tabulation data will be posted on the Suffolk University Political Research Center Web site -- www.suffolk.edu/research/18108.html -- today, Jan. 8, 2008.

Jan. 8, 2008 -- Suffolk University to Open Third Residence Hall

10 West St. Will Bring 274 Students to Downtown Crossing Area

BOSTON -- Suffolk University will officially open its newest residence hall at 10 West St. on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2008. Mayor Thomas M. Menino will speak at the opening ceremony, and a reception and tours of the building will take place from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

The residence hall will accommodate 274 undergraduates in suites and apartments. Students will begin moving in on Sunday, Jan. 13.

The mixed-use building in the Downtown Crossing area will feature an upscale coffee shop and a restaurant on the street level.

The influx of student life is seen as a boon to the Downtown Crossing area, bringing new activity to the area, day and night.

“We are pleased to offer more of our students the advantage of a full residential college experience, while at the same time contributing to the city by boosting the activity level of Boston’s traditional commercial center,” said University President David J. Sargent.

The residence hall occupies two adjacent buildings that at one time were being converted to condominiums. Students will occupy suites and apartments on the upper floors of 10 West and 515 Washington streets.

The 10 West St. facility will be the University’s third residence hall. Suffolk University began taking responsibility for housing students in 1996 with the opening of the 150 Tremont St. residence hall, just around the corner from 10 West St. With this addition, the onetime commuter school can now house more than 1,000 students, nearly 25 percent of its undergraduates.

“I’m delighted to see Suffolk University joining the Downtown Crossing community,” said Menino. “Suffolk students will greatly add to the vitality of this area and ensure that it remains vibrant at all hours of the day.”

The University worked closely with the Boston Redevelopment Authority and area residents in planning the residence hall project.

“The cooperation of the city and our neighbors in the Ladder District really helped the University refine its housing plan, and we are grateful for their advice and support,” said John Nucci, vice president of Government and Community Affairs at Suffolk University.

Jan. 15, 2008 -- Suffolk University’s Adams Gallery Presents Red Cross Photo Exhibit

A Memory of Humanity: From Solferino to Guantanamo - 145 Years of Red Cross Photography

BOSTON – The Adams Gallery at Suffolk University presents A Memory of Humanity: From Solferino to Guantanamo - 145 Years of Red Cross Photography, a traveling exhibit from the International Red Cross, from Feb. 1 through March 31, 2008.

This powerful exhibit of photography from across the world illustrates how compassion and humanitarian aid can mitigate the horrors of armed conflict. A Memory of Humanity consists of more than 80 photographs from the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum in Geneva and offers a view of international humanitarian law from its beginnings in 1859 to the present.

Among the photographs are images from the devastating 1859 Battle of Solferino, the Spanish-American War, both World Wars, the Holocaust, the Spanish Civil War, the Boer Wars, the civil wars in Sierra Leone and Angola, the Arab-Israeli Conflict and the Biafran Civil War in southern Nigeria.

The Mass. Bay Area Chapter of the American Red Cross will present a series of educational forums to provide a global context for the exhibit.

The exhibit will visit five U.S. cities before continuing its worldwide tour in Russia.

The Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay also will exhibit artifacts from Boston-area crises, such as the Great Molasses Flood.

An opening reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31.

Memory of Humanity: From Solferino to Guantanamo - 145 Years of Red Cross Photography
Feb. 1, 2008 through March 31, 2008
Adams Gallery, Sargent Hall, Suffolk University Law School, 120 Tremont St., Boston
Open to the public from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

###

Suffolk University’s Adams Gallery presents exhibits on themes related to Boston history. Its location on the Freedom Trail, in the historic heart of Boston, makes it a natural site for exhibits of original materials or reproductions of importance in the chronology of Boston and New England. For more information: www.suffolk.edu/adamsgallery.

The American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay is one of the largest chapters in a national network of just over 750 Red Cross units. With thousands of local volunteers supporting its mission, people from across 127 cities and towns in eastern Massachusetts are able to receive training or service from their local Red Cross chapter through Disaster Relief, Health and Safety Training programs, Food and Nutrition, and International Services. Deborah C. Jackson is the CEO of the American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay. For more information: http://www.bostonredcross.org/.

Jan. 16, 2008 -- Suffolk University to Help “Focus the Nation” on Global Warming Solutions

BOSTON — Suffolk University will host a day of events as part of the Jan. 31, 2008, Focus the Nation teach-in on global warming solutions.

Bill McKibben, a global warming expert and best-selling author of The End of Nature, will deliver the keynote address. Additional presenters will be:

Martha Richmond, director of the University’s Environmental Studies and Environmental Science programs
David Delcourt, co-founder, Make Me Sustainable, which uses online social networking to promote environmental action
Jeffrey Glassman, founder and director of Rainforest Maker and a Suffolk Law School alumnus

The teach-in will conclude with evening performances by the Suffolk Ramifications a cappella group and the Seriously Bent improv troupe.

“The range of Suffolk departments that have signed on as co-sponsors of Focus the Nation is a testament to the widespread commitment to raise awareness about global warming,” said Campus Sustainability Coordinator Erica Mattison, who is organizing the event.

Focus the Nation will include a “Choose Your Future” vote. Students, faculty and community participants are encouraged to select five global warming solutions from a list that will be available Jan. 21 at http://www.focusthenation.org/. Vote results will be publicized in mid-February. All students who vote on the “Choose Your Future” ballot will be eligible to win a $10,000 leadership scholarship for a project to be completed by the end of August 2008.

“No other generation has ever had to face this kind of civilizational challenge, said Lewis & Clark professor of economics Eban Goodstein, author and project director for Focus the Nation. “We as educators would be failing if we did not prepare them to meet this challenge.”

For more information on Suffolk University’s sustainability efforts and its participation in Focus the Nation, please visit www.suffolk.edu/sustainability, or call 617-973-1145.

DATE: Thursday, January 31
Speaking Program: 8:30 - 11 a.m., First Floor Function Room, Suffolk University Law School, 120 Tremont St., Boston
Performance: 8-9 p.m., C. Walsh Theatre, 55 Temple St., Boston

Jan. 16, 2008 -- Conference Questions School Expulsion Laws

Suffolk Law School’s Juvenile Justice Center: Do these Laws Make Schools Safer?

BOSTON -- The Juvenile Justice Center of Suffolk University Law School and Rep. James Fagan (D-Taunton), will host a conference on the state’s hotly debated school expulsion laws, which impact the juvenile justice system, schools, and the state’s dropout rate.

The conference, “Time to Stop & Reconsider: Are the Massachusetts’ School Expulsion Laws Really Making Massachusetts Schools Safer?” will explore the operation and impact of the state’s expulsion laws. Nine statewide organizations are co-sponsoring the conference, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008, at Suffolk Law School, 120 Tremont St., Boston.

“I think it’s time to recognize the collateral damage from our school expulsion laws,” said Isabel Raskin, an education attorney at Suffolk Law School. “These laws send unsupervised youth out on the streets. These youth are denied education and alienated from their communities, escalating both juvenile crime and the state’s dropout rate.”

The conference will feature three panels:

Professor Charles Ogletree of Harvard Law School will moderate a panel focusing on the cascading effects of police in schools, schools’ use of delinquency charges to expel students, and the legal provision that permits public schools to reject expelled students from other districts. Joining him in the discussion will be the Hon. Mark Lawton and the Hon. Luis Perez, both Juvenile Court justices; Taunton High School Headmaster Matthew Matos; and Ken King, a professor of Juvenile Justice at Suffolk Law School.
A panel composed of parents, police and legal advocates will discuss the educational, social and safety impacts of the laws’ current implementation.
Reps. Patricia Haddad (D-Somerset) and Alice Wolf (D-Cambridge) will propose alternatives to the current law in the final panel discussion.

“It’s time we look at what is happening here,” said Fagan. “In my experience, schools are using the zero-tolerance laws and expulsions as a fig leaf to cover a dirty secret: They don’t want to deal with certain kids, and it’s easier to expel them. This is not in the commonwealth’s interest, and it’s time to face it.”

For more information on the conference, including a program, call the Suffolk University Juvenile Justice Center at 617-305-3200.

Jan. 28, 2008 -- McCain Leading Romney in Florida’s Winner-Take-All GOP Primary, Giuliani and Huckabee Vie for a Distant Third

Suffolk University Poll Shows Race Fluid, with Undecided Voters and Soft Candidate Support

BOSTON – With the Florida Republican Primary just one day away, John McCain (30 percent) is the slight Florida front-runner. Mitt Romney (27 percent) trails but is within the poll’s statistical margin of error, according to a new survey of likely Republican voters released early this morning by the Political Research Center at Boston’s Suffolk University.

Rudy Giuliani (13 percent), the front-runner for most of 2007, is now in third place ahead of Mike Huckabee (11 percent). Lagging behind were Ron Paul (4 percent) and Alan Keyes (1 percent), while 16 percent of likely voters were undecided or refused to respond. In addition to the high undecided number, more than a third said they were somewhat likely or very likely to change their mind before voting Tuesday.

“The race is very fluid, and John McCain just keeps on going. He is fighting businessman Mitt Romney’s attempt to secure Florida as another electoral acquisition,” said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center. “The difference between winning and losing tomorrow may rest with McCain’s recent endorsements from two key statewide Republicans over the weekend: Senator Mel Martinez and Governor Charlie Crist.”

McCain appears to have a higher percentage of committed voters. Seventy-two percent of McCain voters said they were unlikely to change their mind before Tuesday compared with 68 percent for Romney, 66 percent for Huckabee, and 64 percent for Giuliani. [See page 29 of cross-tabulation data]

Geographically, McCain and Romney ran virtually dead even in except in the southern part of the state, home to a large Hispanic population, where McCain (37 percent) led Romney (25 percent). Women were key to McCain’s margin there. [See page 94 of cross-tabs]

Native Floridians gave McCain his biggest lead, compared to those transplanted from other states. Among likely Republican voters born in Florida, McCain led Romney 33 percent-to-15 percent.

When likely voters were asked who would be the next president of the United States, regardless of whom they personally supported and including candidates of both parties, McCain topped the list with 24 percent, followed by Romney (19 percent) and Hillary Clinton (13 percent).

The Suffolk University poll also found that the economy is central to Sunshine State Republicans. From among four listed issues, 44 percent chose the economy as the most important issue facing the country, followed by terrorism (20 percent), illegal immigration (18 percent), and the war in Iraq (13 percent).

The Suffolk University poll was conducted from Jan. 25 to Jan. 27, 2008. The margin of error on the statewide survey of 400 is +/- 4.90 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. Suffolk is scheduled to release separate bellwether analysis information on Tuesday, Jan. 29. All respondents from the statewide survey and bellwether tracking were likely Republican voters in the Florida presidential primary on Tuesday, Jan. 29. Marginals and 110 pages of cross-tabulation data are available on the Suffolk University Political Research Center Web site: www.suffolk.edu/research/18108.html. For more information, please contact David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center, at 781-290-9310.

Jan. 29, 2008 -- McCain Edges Romney in Florida GOP Bellwether; Suffolk University Introduces New Election Predictor after Successful Tests in Massachusetts and N.H.

BOSTON – The Suffolk University Political Research Center, modeling a new election predictor module, shows John McCain (35 percent) leading Mitt Romney (33 percent) by the slimmest of margins in a key Florida Presidential Primary bellwether, Hillsborough County.

The results from Hillsborough County, located in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area, almost identically matched the findings from a Suffolk University Florida Republican statewide poll released yesterday, which showed McCain (30 percent) leading Romney (27 percent) by 3 percent. (see attached release)

“At the outset it appears that as Hillsborough goes, so goes the state of Florida,” said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center. “If Candidate A gets 35 percent in Hillsborough, Candidate A gets close to 35 percent in the state of Florida.”

The last two times a non-incumbent was on a presidential preference ballot in Florida, this bellwether area mirrored the exact order of finish statewide of the top three vote-getters in each party.

In addition, the first-, second- and third-place finishers of Hillsborough County were within 4 percent of the 1-2-3 finishers statewide from both election cycles. A brief historical summary follows:

Primary	Hillsborough County	State of Florida
1988 1-2-3	Bush 59% Dole 25% Robertson 10%	Bush 62% Dole 21% Robertson 11%
2000 1-2-3	Bush 73% Dole 21% Keyes 4%	Bush 74% Dole 20% Keyes 5%
2008 Bellwether	McCain 35% Romney 33% Giuliani 18%

“A cautionary word or two: Past bellwether performance is a guide but not a 100 percent guarantee of future performance,” said Paleologos. “In a race this close, anything can happen. New bellwethers oftentimes are created as people migrate, depending on the election cycle, the candidates and local endorsements.”

Hillsborough County includes Plant City, Tampa and Temple Terrace as well as 45 unincorporated communities, 30 of which are census designated and 15 of which are not.

The first-of-its-kind analysis also showed that Rudy Giuliani led all of his rivals among those who had already voted absentee or early in Hillsborough County. Among those who had already voted, Giuliani (32 percent) led Romney (26 percent), McCain (19 percent), Huckabee (10 percent), Paul (7 percent) and Thompson (7 percent).

“Hillsborough County and indeed, the state of Florida, seems to be a tale of two elections: one marked by strong Giuliani and Romney support early and tomorrow’s election marked by McCain and Romney.”

On Jan. 8, 2008, the Suffolk University Political Research Center’s New Hampshire Presidential Primary bellwether towns – Kingston and Sandown – predicted a Clinton win in the Democratic Primary, while no other leading indicator in the country had Clinton winning. The bellwether analysis also was used successfully by the Center in both the 2006 Gubernatorial Democratic Primary and General Elections in Massachusetts.

The Suffolk University bellwether ID interviewed 340 likely Republican voters from Hillsborough County who had decided or already voted for one of the Republican candidates. A random sample of 3,000 Hillsborough County registered Republican households was selected for the execution of the ID interviews by live telephone call. For more information, please contact David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center, at 781-290-9310.

Jan. 31, 2008 -- U.S. Ambassador to Poland Victor Ashe to Speak at Event Sponsored by Sawyer Business School & WorldBoston

U.S. – Poland Relations: New Business Opportunities

BOSTON – Suffolk University’s Sawyer Business School and WorldBoston will present a discussion, “U.S. - Poland Relations: New Business Opportunities,” from 12:15-2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, 2008, at the Omni Parker House, 60 School St., Boston.

The guest speaker will be Victor Ashe, U.S. Ambassador to Poland, and the discussion will center on investment opportunities in Poland and business relations between the United States and Poland.

“Global leadership is at the center of the Sawyer Business School’s curriculum,” said William J. O’Neill, Jr., dean of the Business School. “We are dedicated to providing students with the highest quality business educational experience possible to prepare them to compete more effectively in the global economy. Our partnerships with organizations such as WorldBoston assist us greatly in this effort.”

WorldBoston, a non-profit organization that promotes greater understanding of international affairs, focuses on educational outreach and providing professional networking opportunities.

“Hosting distinguished speakers such as U.S. Ambassador Ashe gives our members and the Greater Boston community a tremendous opportunity to connect with the world beyond their offices, homes and classrooms,” said WorldBoston Executive Director Bill Clifford.

Panelists include: John McCaslin, commercial counselor, American Embassy, Warsaw; Roman Rewald, chairman, American Chamber of Commerce in Poland; Pawel Wojciechowski, president, Polish Information and Foreign Investment Agency; Sebastian Mikosz, secretary general, International Group of Chambers of Commerce; Henryka Bochniarz, president, Polish Confederation of Private Employers LEWIATAN; Col. Stanley Prusinski, chief, Office of Defense Cooperation, American Embassy, Warsaw; and Zofia Sobiepanek-Kukuryka, commercial specialist, U.S Commercial Service, American Embassy, Warsaw.

To register for “U.S. - Poland Relations – New Business Opportunities,” please call 617-570-4801. For event details, visit www.suffolk.edu/poland.

In addition to Suffolk University’s Sawyer Business School and WorldBoston, event sponsors include U.S. Commercial Service, PANO (Polish American Networking Organization), and White Eagle, the largest Polish newspaper published in North America.

The U.S. Commercial Service is the main trade promotion unit of the U.S. Department of Commerce. U.S. Commercial Service’s network of specialists in 107 U.S. cities and at U.S. Embassies in more than 80 countries assist U.S. companies in exporting and increasing U.S. sales to new global markets. To learn more about the U.S. Commercial Service, please visit http://www.export.gov/cs.
---
WorldBoston is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to fostering an informed global citizenry by engaging its members and the general public in discussions about current international issues. For more than four decades, WorldBoston has facilitated international exchanges by bringing to Massachusetts each year several hundred emerging leaders and professionals from around the globe. The purpose of WorldBoston’s international visitors programs and distinguished speakers series is to foster dialogue, personal and professional networking opportunities, and lasting bonds of cross-cultural friendship and understanding.
---
Suffolk University, located on Boston’s historic Beacon Hill, with international campuses in Madrid and Dakar, Senegal, is a comprehensive global institution distinguished by the teaching and the intellectual contributions of its faculty. Suffolk University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in more than 70 areas of study. Its mission is to provide access to excellence in higher education to students of all ages and backgrounds, with strong emphasis on diversity. Suffolk has a combined enrollment of more than 9,300 full-time and part-time students at its Law School, College of Arts and Sciences and Sawyer Business School.

Feb. 1, 2008 -- Suffolk University Students to Conduct Multilingual Exit Polls on “Super Tuesday”

BOSTON -- Suffolk University Students will work as exit pollsters in Boston on “Super Tuesday.”

“Our students will be conducting a trial-run of an exit poll of Boston voters,” said Assistant Professor of Government Rachael V. Cobb. “They will ask voters a series of questions about whom they voted for, their demographic characteristics, and their satisfaction with the voting experience.”

Thirty Suffolk University students will be involved on Feb. 5. Most of the students will be at five polling locations in and around the Boston area, while some students will be on campus coordinating the effort.

“The purpose of this trial run is to get a handle on the logistical features of running an exit poll,” said Cobb. “The exceptional part about our exit poll is that we’re conducting it in four languages ... English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Spanish.”

The students have attended training sessions, taught by Professor Cobb, who hopes that this community endeavor will promote the importance of civic engagement.

“We plan to expand our project to include as many of the polling locations in Boston as possible in the September 16, 2008, Massachusetts Primary Election, and the November 4, 2008 General Election,” said Cobb.

Suffolk University partnered with the city of Boston to recruit and train students as poll workers for Election Day 2006 through a $10,000 grant from the Center for Election Integrity, based at Cleveland State University in Ohio. Suffolk University also piloted the Center’s guidebook outlining how to effectively mobilize student poll workers.

“It was wonderful to be partnering with the city of Boston on that exciting and educational project,” said Cobb. “Through participation in that project, students learned how democracy actually works, and it engaged them on the importance of civic and volunteer participation in their communities.”

Feb. 2, 2008 -- McCain Clings to Lead in California GOP Primary; Suffolk University Poll Shows Debate Watchers Liked Romney

BOSTON – On the heels of a Florida win and recent endorsements from former presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, John McCain (39 percent) leads Mitt Romney (32 percent) in California with three days left before Super Tuesday, according to a poll released today by the Suffolk University Political Research Center. Mike Huckabee (8 percent) was a distant third, and Ron Paul (4 percent) rounded out the major choices, while 14 percent were undecided.

McCain’s strength is seen in early voting and absentee ballots, where he led Romney 45 percent-to-22 percent. Among voters very likely to cast ballots Tuesday, McCain and Romney are running neck and neck, with McCain leading Romney 37 percent-to-35 percent. However, 17 percent of likely Republican voters said they were very likely or somewhat likely to change their mind.

In 2000, about one-fourth of the California ballots cast in the presidential election came by mail. That grew to 33 percent in 2004. This year, analysts and campaign officials say it could be more than half.

“The early bird catches the worm,” said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center. “McCain’s early advantage in California – thanks to previous wins in South Carolina and Florida – has provided him with votes in the bank and forces Romney to win remaining undecideds by a wider margin than in states with no early voting.”

McCain carried the Bay Area, which includes Santa Clara, Contra Costa and Alameda counties, by a whopping 2-to-1 margin. McCain also led marginally in the north central, south and Los Angeles areas. Romney carried Orange County. Romney also carried voters ages 18-to-45 by a 43 percent-28 percent margin statewide. McCain carried middle-age and older voters.

“Without record-breaking numbers of younger registered Republicans showing up and a high Orange County turnout, Romney may come up a bit short,” said Paleologos.

Romney was the debate winner, according to the Suffolk University Research Center poll; 37 percent of likely voters said they were most impressed by Romney, while 25 percent said McCain. However, only 40 percent of respondents statewide said they watched the Wednesday-night debate at the Ronald Reagan library, while 59 percent said they did not.

Asked who would be the next president, those surveyed predicted John McCain (29 percent) regardless of whom they personally supported. He was followed by Hillary Clinton (14 percent), Barack Obama (13 percent) and Mitt Romney (8 percent).

In other Suffolk University findings, the economy (34 percent) was the most important issue to Californians, followed closely by illegal immigration (31 percent), terrorism (17 percent) and the war in Iraq (13 percent).

The Suffolk University poll was conducted Thursday, Jan. 31, and Friday, Feb. 1, 2008. The margin of error on the statewide survey of 500 is +/- 4.38 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. All respondents from the statewide survey were likely Republican voters in the California Presidential Primary on Feb. 5. Marginals and 72 pages of cross-tabulation data will be posted on the Suffolk University Political Research Center Web site on Feb. 4. For more information, contact David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center, at 781-290-9310. Suffolk is scheduled to release a separate California poll of likely Democratic voters and California bellwether analysis information on Sunday, Feb. 3.

Feb. 3, 2008 -- Obama & Clinton Headed for Golden State Photo Finish; Suffolk University Poll Shows Kennedy Endorsement Key for Obama

BOSTON – Barack Obama (40 percent) leads Hillary Clinton (39 percent) by the thinnest of margins among likely Democratic voters, according to a poll released today by the Suffolk University Political Research Center. A crucial 19 percent of Democratic and independent voters were undecided.

“If young voters, men and independents show up, it is Obama’s prize,” said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center. “If lots more women and older voters dominate, then it’s Clinton’s for the taking. Fasten your seat belts.”

Obama’s strengths were highest among men (45 percent-to-30 percent), in the Los Angeles area (45 percent-to-36 percent), Bay area (45 percent-to-39 percent) and among voters ages 18-45 years (49 percent-to-32 percent). Clinton’s strengths sharply contrasted Obama’s, as she led him among women (47 percent-to-35 percent), Orange County (44 percent-to-30 percent), the South area of the state (42 percent-to-31 percent) and voters ages 66 years and up (45 percent-to-28 percent).

The recent Kennedy endorsement seems to be a key factor for Obama overall. When Democratic respondents were asked to size up the impact of three endorsements to Obama and Clinton, the Ted Kennedy endorsement for Obama (34 percent) was cited as the most influential, followed by Bill Clinton for his wife (23 percent) and Oprah Winfrey for Obama (19 percent).

Upon closer examination of the undecided voters, the poll reveals that older (white) men - especially from households with veterans - had the highest undecided rate. Of that group, more than 30 percent said they were still undecided, compared to 19 percent undecided overall statewide. Among older men who have decided, Clinton led Obama by a 34 percent-to-27 percent margin.

“The high number of undecided older male voters reflects what is apparently still an open question looming over the Democratic presidential nomination fight: whether to choose a brand of leadership that’s new or nostalgic,” said Paleologos. “It’s a classic case of clash in identity politics. The question is: Which characteristic will take precedence with these voters – gender, favoring Obama, or their age, favoring Clinton.”

Obama was the debate winner, according to the poll. Thirty-three percent of likely voters said they were most impressed by Obama, while 29 percent said Clinton. However, only 46 percent of respondents statewide said they watched the Thursday-night debate at the Kodak Theatre, while 54 percent said they did not.

Asked who would be the next president, those surveyed predicted Hillary Clinton (35 percent) regardless of whom they personally supported. She was followed by Barack Obama (22 percent) and John McCain (13 percent).

In other Suffolk University findings, the economy (41 percent) was the most important issue to California Democratic voters, followed closely by the war in Iraq (30 percent), and health care (12 percent).

The Suffolk University poll was conducted Friday, Feb. 1, through Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008. The margin of error on the statewide survey of 700 is +/- 3.70 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. All respondents from the statewide survey were likely Democratic voters in the California Presidential Primary on Feb. 5. Frequencies/marginals and 80 pages of cross-tabulation data will be posted on the Suffolk University Political Research Center Web site – www.suffolk.edu/research/18108.html -- on Feb. 4. For more information, contact David Paleologos at 781-290-9310.

Feb. 4, 2008 -- Obama & Clinton Deadlocked in Mass. Democratic Primary; 7NEWS/Suffolk University Poll Shows Romney over McCain

BOSTON – Barack Obama (46 percent) leads Hillary Clinton (44 percent) by a razor-thin margin among likely Democratic voters, according to a poll released today by 7NEWS/Suffolk University. Seven percent of Democratic and independent voters were undecided. However, 27 percent of Democratic voters and 24 percent of Republican voters say they may change their minds before tomorrow.

The recent Kennedy endorsement is a key factor for Obama overall. Asked to size up the impact of three endorsements for Obama and Clinton, Democratic respondents cited Sen. Edward M. Kennedy's endorsement of Obama (43 percent) as the most influential, followed by Bill Clinton's of his wife (23 percent) and Oprah Winfrey's of Obama (9 percent).

"The Bay State's senior senator Ted Kennedy clearly has more clout in Massachusetts than the popular former president, Bill Clinton," said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center. "Add to that the backing of Senator Kerry and Governor Patrick, with the resonant message of change as well as the Kennedy call for 'a new generation of leadership' and you have the reason why what was once Clinton country has become an Obama opportunity -- and a political choice between the nostalgic and the new."

Obama was strong among men (49 percent-to-30 percent), independents (43 percent-to-35 percent), in Middlesex & Essex counties (46 percent-to-36 percent) and among voters ages 18-45 years (55 percent-to-31 percent). Clinton’s areas of strength contrasted sharply with Obama’s: She led among women (52 percent-to-35 percent), in the Worcester/West area (52 percent-to-34 percent) and among voters ages 66 years and up (59 percent-to-26 percent).

“If young voters, men and independents turn out for Obama, he will win," said Paleologoas. "If older voters and women dominate the Democratic Primary as they did in neighboring New Hampshire, then it’s Clinton’s for the taking. But at this point every precinct counts, and there's no room for a tactical mistake on Election Day.”

On the Republican side, Mitt Romney (50 percent) leads John McCain (37 percent), with Mike Huckabee (4 percent) and Ron Paul (3 percent) trailing. Six percent were undecided.

“Mitt Romney can thank Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul for helping to split the anti-Romney vote in Massachusetts," said Paleologos. "Without them, this race would be much closer."

Romney bested McCain on topics such as who would do a better job on the economy (Romney 62 percent-McCain 23 percent), on health care (Romney 51 percent-McCain 26 percent), and "improving my life" (Romney 49 percent-McCain 25 percent). However, McCain was seen as the better of the two on the topic of keeping us safe (McCain 43 percent-Romney 36 percent).

Primary voters were split on whether or not they are better off today than they were eight years ago. Only 35 percent of Democratic voters answered yes to this question, while 59 percent said no. However, on the Republican side, 62 percent indicated they are better off since the year 2000, while 32 percent said they are not.

Asked who would be the next president, the combination of Democrats and Republicans picked Hillary Clinton (27 percent) regardless of whom they personally supported. She was followed by Barack Obama (25 percent), John McCain (21 percent) and Mitt Romney (10 percent).

The 7NEWS/Suffolk University poll was conducted Friday, Feb. 1, through Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008. The margin of error on each party's statewide survey of 400 is +/- 4.90 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. All respondents from the statewide survey were likely primary voters in the Massachusetts Presidential Primary on Feb. 5. Marginals and 265 pages of cross-tabulation data will be posted on the Suffolk University Political Research Center Web site – www.suffolk.edu/college/1450 html -- on Feb. 4. For more information, contact David Paleologos at 781-290-9310.

7NEWS/Suffolk University will be calling selected bellwether communities in Massachusetts on the evening of Feb. 4 as an added predictor module for possible election outcomes.

Feb. 5, 2008 -- Bellwethers Ring Loud for Clinton in New 7NEWS/Suffolk University Research

BOSTON – With Super Tuesday upon us, Massachusetts bellwether communities are pointing to Hillary Clinton and Mitt Romney as the respective winners in Democratic and Republican primaries in Massachusetts, according to research on election eve conducted by 7NEWS/Suffolk University and released today.

Three Massachusetts bellwethers - Waltham, Stoneham and Nahant - showed Clinton winning. In Waltham, Clinton led Obama 46 percent-to-42 percent, and in Stoneham/Nahant Clinton led 54 percent-to-41 percent, although in the small Nahant subset Obama and Clinton were tied.

The Center’s analysis was made using a new election predictor module based on a number of statistical indices, including statewide polling and bellwether geographic areas, first employed successfully with the New Hampshire Democratic Primary and followed up with the GOP Primary in Florida.

“We’ve seen this same trend before,” said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center. “Our New Hampshire poll had a statistical dead heat, while both New Hampshire bellwethers, Kingston and Sandown, showed Clinton winning. We have a similar statistical dead heat in our statewide poll, but all three bellwethers show a similar Clinton trend. Will history repeat itself?”

The Suffolk University Political Research Center’s Massachusetts bellwethers matched the same statistical test: The last two times a non-incumbent was on a presidential preference ballot in Massachusetts, the bellwether area mirrored the exact order of finish statewide and was within 4 percent for the top three vote-getters in each party.

The statewide poll ran Friday night through early morning on Super Bowl Sunday and may not have included organizational momentum gained by the Clinton forces over the past two days.

A brief historical summary follows:

Primary	Percent -- Waltham	Percent -- Mass.
1988	Dukakis 57 Jackson 18 Gephardt 10	Dukakis 57 Jackson 18 Gephardt 10
1988	Bush 58 Dole 27 Kemp 8	Bush 57 Dole 26 Kemp 7
2000	Gore 59 Bradley 37	Gore 59 Bradley 37
2000	McCain 66 Bush 30 Keyes 2	McCain 64 Bush 32 Keyes 3
2008 Bellwether	Clinton 46 Obama 42

In the Waltham Republican Primary poll, Mitt Romney (49 percent) led John McCain (37 percent), Mike Huckabee (4 percent) and Ron Paul (3 percent), with 7 percent undecided or refusing a response. These findings were almost identical to the statewide Republican Primary poll, which showed Romney (50 percent), McCain (37 percent), Huckabee (4 percent) and Paul (3 percent), with 6 percent undecided/refused.

In other bellwethers, Tennessee’s Knox County showed Clinton leading Obama 52 percent-to-42 percent in the Democratic Primary, while John McCain led Mike Huckabee 46 percent-to-26 percent.

In California’s bellwether Fresno County, Clinton led Obama 50 percent-to-28 percent, while Romney led McCain 41 percent-to-26 percent, with significant numbers of voters still undecided or intended/already cast for other candidates.

On Jan. 29, 2008, the Political Research Center’s Florida bellwether, Hillsborough County, almost exactly matched the statewide Republican Primary results. On Jan. 8, 2008, the New Hampshire Presidential Primary bellwether towns – Kingston and Sandown – predicted a Clinton win in the Democratic Primary, while no other leading indicator in the country had Clinton winning. The bellwether analysis also was an added tool used successfully by the Center in both the 2006 Gubernatorial Democratic Primary and the General Election in Massachusetts.

7NEWS/Suffolk University interviewed 315 Democratic likely voters and 119 likely Republican voters from Waltham and 380 Democratic voters and 192 Republican voters from Nahant and Stoneham. In addition, 1,168 likely primary voters from bellwether Knox County, Tenn., were interviewed through Feb. 1. Finally, in California’s bellwether, Fresno County, 520 likely Democratic voters and 421 Republicans were interviewed through Feb. 1. A random sample of all available registered voters with phone numbers was used to select the sample, which did not include newly registered voters. The execution of the ID interviews was by live telephone call. For more information, please contact David Paleologos at 781-290-9310.

Feb. 20, 2008 -- Suffolk U’s Sawyer Business School to Sign Pact with Polish University

BOSTON -- Suffolk University’s Sawyer Business School and Poland’s Cracow University of Economics will sign an agreement formalizing their cooperation and collaboration in the areas of research, faculty and student exchange, and international seminars.

The signing ceremony will take place at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008, at 73 Tremont St., Boston, 13th floor.

Cracow University of Economics was founded in 1925. It offers undergraduate and post-graduate programs in Economics and International Relations, Finance, Management and Commodity Sciences and has partnerships with universities throughout Europe

President David J. Sargent will meet with the rector of Cracow University of Economics, Professor Ryszard Borowiecki; Professor Janusz Teczke, vice-rector for Scientific Research and International Cooperation; and Dr. Piotr Buta, director of the School of Entrepreneurship and Management for the signing ceremony, followed by a press availability at noon.

“We see Poland as an important bridge between the established markets of North America and Western Europe and the emerging markets of Eastern Europe.” said Sawyer Business School Dean William J. O’Neill, Jr. “This collaboration is of significant value, for the faculty of both schools, and for the preparation of our students to become successful leaders in global business.”

“Two highly rated institutions working together guarantees success,” said Borowiecki. “Cracow University of Economics is one of the top business schools in Poland.”

Feb. 20, 2008 -- Andre Sonko Named Managing Director of Suffolk University-Dakar

Senegal’s Former Minister of Education has Long Association with West African Campus

BOSTON -- President David J. Sargent has announced the appointment of Andre Sonko as managing director of the Suffolk University Dakar campus.

Sonko, a former Minister of Education in Senegal who has served as a special consultant on higher education to the Senegalese president, will direct the University’s Dakar campus, which was founded in 1999 as an American-Senegalese cooperative venture.

In addition to serving as Minister of Education, Sonko has been director of Senegal’s Office of Government Studies; chief of staff for the prime minister; Minister of Labor, Employment and Public Affairs; and Minister of Internal Affairs.

“Andre Sonko has been an indispensable resource and ally as Suffolk University established the first and only full-service American campus in West Africa,” said University President David J. Sargent. “His unwavering commitment to education will be a great benefit to the students, faculty and staff in Dakar and an inspiration to everyone within the University community.”

Sonko is president of the S.O.S. – Sahel Senegal and a member of Caritas Senegal and the orientation council of the Aspen Institute of France. He is a knight in the Order of Merit of Senegal, a knight of the Malta Order, an officer of the Legion of Honor, commander of Academic Palms of France and Senegal, and commander of the National Order of Korea.

He holds a master of science degree with distinction in economics from the University of Dakar in Senegal and a master of business administration degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. Suffolk University awarded him an honorary doctor of humane letters degree in 2001.

Feb. 20, 2008 -- Suffolk University Opens HD TV Studio on Tremont St.

BOSTON – Suffolk University will officially open its new, street-level television studio at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25 at 73 Tremont St.

The studio will be the setting for television production and broadcast journalism classes within the Communication and Journalism Department, and streaming video panels at the base of its window panels will enliven the streetscape.

“The University is acutely aware of the importance of an active street life that promotes pedestrian traffic,” said Vice President for External Affairs John Nucci. “Passers-by will be attracted by the video displays, and they will be able to watch the operation of the TV studio through the storefront windows along Tremont Street.”

The 666-square-foot studio is equipped with three high-definition digital cameras, a full lighting grid and a state-of-the-art control room.

“Our new television studio, which we are calling “Studio 73,” will enable our students to receive state-of-the-art instruction in television studio production,” said Associate Professor Robert Rosenthal, chair of the Communication and Journalism department. “It also provides an exciting venue for our ‘Temple Street’ television program, and we plan to produce Suffolk University newscasts and a sports show.”

“Temple Street,” which is broadcast on Boston Cable Access (BNN), produces features on Suffolk University and the Boston community, focusing on Beacon Hill and downtown.

The studio also will be used to conduct broadcast television interviews with local business, political, sports and cultural leaders.

March 3, 2008 -- Clinton Headed for Win in Buckeye State; Suffolk University Poll Shows Ohio Democrats Voting for Clinton but Expecting Obama to Be Next President

BOSTON – Hillary Clinton (52 percent) leads Barack Obama (40 percent) among likely Democratic voters in Ohio, according to a poll released today by the Suffolk University Political Research Center. Four percent of voters were undecided, and an additional 4 percent refused to state their choices.

“Hillary Clinton may be carried to victory on the backs of the Buckeye State's older white males," said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center. "Although Clinton carried women and Obama carried men overall, it appears that Obama's weak support from older men may make the difference. And while the poll's subset of African-American voters is relatively small, Obama beats Clinton by a lopsided margin. The race is down to who can turn out their core base of support on Election Day.”

Clinton led Obama among women (60 percent-to-31 percent), voters ages 66 and up (57 percent-to-34 percent), northeast Ohio (63 percent-to-31 percent) and among those who had already voted (67 percent-to-13 percent).

Obama’s strength was highest among voters ages 18-35 years (73 percent-to-18 percent), African-American voters (75 percent-to-19 percent), independents/other parties (62 percent-to-21 percent) and the Cincinnati/Dayton area (62 percent-to-32 percent).

Clinton also carried the Columbus/Southeast area (57 percent-to-32 percent) and the Toledo/Northwest area (50 percent-to-41 percent), while the two candidates ran dead even (46 percent-to-46 percent) in Cuyahoga county.

Despite Clinton's support in Ohio, more Democratic Ohioans believe the electoral deck is stacked against her long term. When asked, regardless of their personal choice, who they believed will be the next president, 39 percent said Obama; 30 percent Clinton; 14 percent indicated Republican John McCain; and 15 percent were undecided.

Independent candidate Ralph Nader could receive support from up to 13 percent of likely Democratic voters in Ohio in the November General Election. Two percent of likely Democratic voters said they were planning to vote for Nader in November; 11 percent said that if their choice (either Clinton or Obama) didn't win the Democratic nomination, they might vote for Nader; and 78 percent said that they would not vote for Nader under any circumstances.

“With Ohio decided by a handful of points every four years, Democrats cannot afford to let key voters fall through the cracks,” said Paleologos.

In other Suffolk University findings, the economy (54 percent) was the most important issue to Ohio Democratic voters, followed by the war in Iraq (21 percent), and health care (15 percent).

On March 4, Suffolk University will release its bellwether tracking in Ohio from Sunday and Monday night field calling. Suffolk University bellwether tracking predicted the Democratic Primary win of Hillary Clinton in New Hampshire and has correctly predicted outcomes in Florida, Massachusetts, California and Tennessee this presidential election cycle.

The Suffolk University poll was conducted Saturday, March 1, through Sunday, March 2, 2008. The margin of error on the statewide survey of 400 is +/- 4.90 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. All respondents from the statewide survey were likely Democratic voters in the March 4 Ohio Presidential Primary. Frequencies/marginals and 64 pages of cross-tabulation data will be posted on the Suffolk University Political Research Center Web site -- http://www.suffolk.edu/college/1450.html -- on March 4. For more information, contact David Paleologos at 781-290-9310.

March 4, 2008 -- Survey: Partisanship Declines among Younger Black Voters

Findings to Be Featured in New Book PARTY CRASHING: How the Hip-Hop Generation Declared Political Independence

BOSTON -- A survey by the Suffolk University Political Research Center reveals a significant decline in partisanship among black Americans, a development that could have profound implications on the 2008 presidential election.

The study reveals that 35 percent of respondents ages 18-24 identified themselves as independents, while 41 percent of respondents ages 18-45 identified themselves as "politically independent” even though they are registered Democrats.

Young, black independents are emerging as a potentially crucial swing voting bloc in 2008 with the likely GOP nominee, John McCain widely known for his ability to attract independent voters and Democrats Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama locked in a contentious primary battle,

Twenty-five percent of respondents said that Obama’s candidacy would make them more likely to vote in the presidential election.

The survey was commissioned and co-written by political analyst Keli Goff and will be featured in her forthcoming book PARTY CRASHING: How the Hip-Hop Generation Declared Independence. The research focused exclusively on the demographic of young black Americans born after the civil-rights movement.

The Suffolk University Political Research Center conducted telephone interviews of young black Americans ages 18-45 years of age from Atlanta and Los Angeles in May 2007, asking questions about issues as diverse as politics and hip-hop. The responses were totaled and analyzed based on area, gender, age, political philosophy and other indicators.

On the subject of black leadership, a majority of respondents (51 percent) said that they do not believe in the need for a “black leader.” They did say that they most value the opinions of Barack Obama (20 percent), Oprah Winfrey (20 percent) and Colin Powell (15 percent). An overwhelming majority, (72 percent) said that they do not believe that noted black leaders Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton speak for them.

Those polled cited the war in Iraq (26 percent) as the most important political issue of the day, followed by health care (13 percent), economic inequality (12 percent) and family values/morals (12 percent). Though an option, racial inequality was not selected by a significant number of respondents.

Although respondents were mostly registered Democrats or Democratic leaning, a majority (51 percent) said that neither political party was addressing their issues. Additionally, 32 percent of respondents said that they do not believe “that the Democratic Party works as hard to earn the support of black voters as it does to earn the support of other groups of voters.”

On the subject of class, a resounding majority (80 percent) of respondents agreed with Bill Cosby’s controversial comments regarding the issue of personal responsibility in the black community.

When asked about the government's inadequate response to Hurricane Katrina, 22 percent of respondents said residents’ race was the defining factor; 22 percent said the response was determined by the class status of the residents; 23 percent blamed government incompetence; and 25 percent said all of the above.

PARTY CRASHING: How the Hip-Hop Generation Declared Independence features interviews with prominent leaders such as Colin Powell, Russell Simmons, the Rev. Al Sharpton, Mayor Cory Booker, Congressman Artur Davis, NAACP Chair Julian Bond and Ken Mehlman, former chair of the Republican National Committee. It explores the cultural and political divide between black Americans of the civil rights generation and their children and grandchildren, known collectively as "the hip-hop generation."

“Suffolk University is so pleased to be associated with the upcoming book Party Crashing,” said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center. "Goff recognizes there is a whole new generation of black voters who are declaring their political independence. With the 2008 Democratic nomination up for grabs between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, the timing couldn’t have been scripted more brilliantly.”

The Suffolk University poll was conducted from May 14 to May 31, 2007, with results embargoed until the release of the book. The margin of error is +/- 4.90 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. The 400 respondents were young black Americans 18-45 years of age from Atlanta (200) and Los Angeles (200). Each subset of 200 carries a margin of error of +/- 6.93 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. Suffolk University is scheduled to release 196 pages of cross-tabulation data on its Political Research Center Web site -- www.suffolk.edu/college/1450.html -- on March 4, 2008. For more information about the poll, contact Suffolk University adjunct professor David Paleologos at 781-290-9310.

March 4, 2008 -- Tuesday Bellwethers Ring for Clinton and McCain

New Suffolk University Research in Ohio and R.I.

BOSTON – Ohio and Rhode Island bellwether communities are pointing to Hillary Clinton and John McCain as the respective winners in Democratic and Republican primaries, according to research on election eve conducted by Suffolk University and released today.

Two Ohio bellwethers – Morgan County and Greene County -- showed Clinton winning. Clinton led Barack Obama 63 percent-to-33 percent in the smaller Morgan County, and she led Obama 52 percent-to-41 percent in Greene County, almost exactly mirroring the 52 percent-to-40 percent statewide Democratic poll released yesterday. Although bellwethers are not currently designed to depict margins, they have been remarkably accurate at outcomes.

John McCain led Mike Huckabee 54 percent-to-29 percent in Greene County and 51 percent-to-34 percent in Morgan County.

“A cautionary word or two: Past bellwether performance is a guide but not a 100 percent guarantee of future performance,” said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center. “New bellwethers oftentimes are created as people migrate, depending on the election cycle, the candidates and local endorsements.”

In Rhode Island’s bellwether, Providence County, Clinton led Obama 50 percent-to-36 percent while McCain topped Huckabee 61 percent-to-32 percent.

For Rhode Island, the Suffolk University Political Research Center’s Providence County matched the same statistical test: The last two times a non-incumbent was on a presidential preference ballot in Providence County, the bellwether area mirrored the exact order of finish statewide and was within 4 percent for the top three vote-getters in each party.

A brief historical summary follows:

Primary	Providence County	Statewide Rhode Island
1988 Democrat	Dukakis 70 percent Jackson 15 percent Other 15 percent	Dukakis 70 percent Jackson 15 percent Gephardt 15 percent
1988 Republican	Bush 66 percent Dole 20 percent Kemp 14 percent	Bush 65 percent Dole 23 percent Kemp 12 percent
2000 Democrat	Gore 56 percent Bradley 42 percent Uncommitted 1 percent	Gore 57 percent Bradley 41 percent Uncommitted 2 percent
2000 Republican	McCain 61 percent Bush 33 percent Keyes 5 percent	McCain 60 percent Bush 36 percent Keyes 3 percent
2008 Bellwether Democrat	Clinton 50 percent Obama 36 percent
2008 Bellwether Republican	McCain 61 percent Huckabee 32 percent

In the Ohio bellwethers, only the 2000 Democratic and Republican primaries were used, as the 1988 results were not officially tabulated by county, just by election district. Those boundaries changed after the 1990 census.

On Jan. 29, 2008, the Political Research Center’s Florida bellwether, Hillsborough County, almost exactly matched the statewide Republican Primary results. On Jan. 8, 2008, the New Hampshire Presidential Primary bellwether towns – Kingston and Sandown – predicted a Clinton win in the Democratic Primary, while no other leading indicator in the country had Clinton winning. The bellwether analysis also was an added tool used successfully by the Center in both the 2006 Massachusetts Gubernatorial Democratic Primary and general election.

Suffolk University interviewed 300 likely voters from each of the three counties. A random select of all available registered voters with phone numbers was used as the core sample, which did not include newly registered voters. The execution of the identification interviews was by live telephone call. For more information, contact David Paleologos at 781-290-9310.

March 25, 2008 -- Suffolk University to Present Symposium on Corporate Governance and Ethics

Suffolk University will present a symposium on corporate governance and ethics, “From Enron to Refco: Assessing the Liability of Individuals, Companies, and the Professionals that Advise Them,” on Tuesday, April 1, 2008 from 4-6 p.m. at Sargent Hall, 120 Tremont Street, Boston.

“This symposium will raise important questions about the continuing occurrence of unrestrained greed and corporate crime in America and the impact on already shaky securities markets,” said Suffolk University Associate Professor of Business Law Miriam Weismann. “Areas to be discussed include the liability of companies, and corporate management – and their accountants, lawyers, and investment advisors – who together make crime pay at the expense of the public trust.

“In uncovering the problems, we hope to focus attention on the importance of ethics in corporate governance. As a business community, we must abandon the ‘wink and a nod’ mentality that buries ethical behavior below the corporate bottom line.”

Participating in the symposium are a distinguished panel of experts, including:

Joshua Hochberg, partner, McKenna, Long and Aldridge, LLP. He specializes in internal investigations and white collar defense. He is a former Acting U.S. Attorney for Enron investigations, and was a court appointed examiner in the Refco bankruptcy case.

James Rehnquist, litigation partner, Goodwin Procter, LLP. His expertise is in white collar criminal defense, including the representation of clients in SEC and other governmental and regulatory investigations.

John J. O’Connor, former vice chairman, PricewaterhouseCooper. He led the Assurance, Tax, and Financial Advisory Services areas for PwC, and is a client services partner for several of PwC’s largest global clients. O’Connor is a graduate of Suffolk University and a member of the Board of Trustees at Suffolk.

“The assembled panel of experts is utterly first-rate and will produce a provocative exchange on the issues that populate this unsettled legal environment, especially for those who must operate in the crosshairs of liability," said Suffolk Law Professor Joe Franco.

The symposium is sponsored by Suffolk University’s Sawyer Business School, Suffolk University Law School, The Massachusetts Bar Association, and Financial Executives International, Boston Chapter.

March 25, 2008 -- Distinguished Visiting Scholar Emil Kirchner to Host International Conference at Suffolk University

“Changing State Security Cultures: From Deterrence to Prevention”

Emil Kirchner, an international leader in the research and teaching of European and German politics and a professor of European Studies at the University of Essex, is a Distinguished Visiting Scholar at Suffolk University during March and April 2008.

During his stay, Kirchner is teaching a course on international security, delivering a public lecture and hosting an international conference.

His lecture, "The Lisbon Treaty: What Future for Europe?" will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, in Sawyer 427.

The day-long conference, "Changing State Security Cultures: From Deterrence to Prevention,” scheduled for April 18 in Sawyer 429, is open to the public, however seating is limited. Scholars from Canada, France, Italy, Germany, the United States, United Kingdom, Russia, Japan and Mexico will present their research.

Kirchner, the Jean Monet Professor of European Integration and coordinator of the Jean Monet European Centre of Excellence, is widely published in the areas of European security policy, European integration, EU decision-making, German politics and European interest groups. His most recent publications include EU Security Governance (with James Sperling); Global Security Governance: Competing Perceptions of Security in the Twenty-First Century (edited with James Sperling); and Europe in Change: Committee Governance in the European Union (edited with Thomas Christiansen).

Kirchner received the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for his outstanding service to Anglo-German relations in teaching, research and cultural activities.

Kirchner’s visit is the fifth in the spring lineup of Distinguished Visiting Scholars at the College of Arts & Sciences, a program launched in 2005 to bring nationally and internationally renowned scholars, artists and intellectuals to the Boston campus for stays ranging from one week to a month.

Suffolk’s Distinguished Visiting Scholars contribute to the creative and intellectual vitality of the entire University by teaching courses, leading workshops and roundtables, and delivering public lectures. The scholars also have numerous informal opportunities to interact, consult and collaborate with members of the Suffolk community during their residency.

Additional information about the program, as well as the schedule of speakers for spring 2008, is available online, at http://www.suffolk.edu/college/385.html.

March 26, 2008 -- NIH Women’s Health Research Director to Lecture at Suffolk University

Vivan Pinn joins Distinguished Visiting Scholars program

Vivian W. Pinn, Ph.D., director of the Office of Research on Women’s Health at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), will return to Suffolk University as a Distinguished Visiting Scholar March 26-28, 2008.

“Her last visit to Suffolk in October 2006 was brief, but generated much enthusiasm among those who were able to meet with her and to hear her public presentation,” said Martha Richmond, professor of Chemistry/Bio-Chemistry. “We are fortunate that she is able to return for a longer visit.”

Pinn will meet with students, staff and faculty and deliver a public lecture on "The Role of Public Advocacy in the Evolution of the Science of Women's Health" at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 27, in Sawyer 427/429.

She also will lecture on "Women and Biomedical Careers: Addressing Gender Bias and Barriers" at 1 p.m. Friday, March 28, in the Poetry Center, Sawyer Library, 73 Tremont Street.

A welcoming reception will be held for Pinn at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, in the McDermott Conference Room.

At NIH, Pinn works with various institutes to coordinate research and develop programs that address women’s health issues. Prior to NIH, Pinn served as professor and chair of the Department of Pathology at Howard University College of Medicine, Washington D.C. She has held appointments at Tufts University and Harvard Medical School and served as the 88th president of the National Medical Association.

Pinn earned her B.A. from Wellesley College and her M.D. from the University of Virginia School of Medicine, where she was the only woman and person of color to graduate in 1967. She returned to Massachusetts to complete her postgraduate training in Pathology at Massachusetts General Hospital, also serving as a teaching fellow at Harvard Medical School. Pinn is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and was elected to the Institute of Medicine in 1995.

She is the recipient of nine honorary degrees of law and science since 1992 and has received an Alumni Achievement Award from Wellesley College, the James D. Bruce Memorial Award by the American College of Physicians, the Athena Award from the Partnership for Women's Health at Columbia University, and the Catherine McFarland Award from the University of Pennsylvania. In 1994, Cosmopolitan named her one of "The Big Time 8 (in feminism now) -- who got where only men got before," and in 2003, Essence magazine recognized Pinn as one of "50 Women Who Are Shaping Our World."

Pinn’s visit is the sixth in the spring line-up of Distinguished Visiting Scholars at the College of Arts & Sciences, a program launched in 2005 to bring nationally and internationally renowned scholars, artists and intellectuals to the Boston campus for stays ranging from one week to a month.

Suffolk’s Distinguished Visiting Scholars contribute to the creative and intellectual vitality of the entire University by teaching courses, leading workshops and roundtables, and delivering public lectures. The scholars also have numerous informal opportunities to interact, consult, and collaborate with members of the Suffolk community during their residency.

Additional information about the program, as well as the schedule of speakers for spring 2008, is available online, at http://www.suffolk.edu/college/385.html.

March 26, 2008 -- Alasdair Roberts Named to Rappaport Chair at Suffolk University Law School

Celebrated Legal Scholar Focused on Law and Public Policy

Alasdair Roberts, a professor of public administration at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, will join Suffolk University Law School this fall as the first holder of the Rappaport Chair in Law and Public Policy.

“Alasdair Roberts is one of the leading scholars in law and policy studies in the country today,” said Suffolk Law School Dean Fred Aman. “His stellar accomplishments as a scholar and a teacher and his creative approach to law and policy issues will ensure that the Rappaport Center at Suffolk University Law School will play a leadership role in some of the most important law and policy issues of our times.”

In addition to serving on the Syracuse University faculty, Roberts is a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, and an honorary senior research fellow of the constitution unit at the School of Public Policy at University College London.

“I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to serve as the first Rappaport Chair in Law and Public Policy,” said Roberts. “Suffolk Law School has three great advantages: talented people, a tradition of public service, and a perfect location. It is the ideal place to have conversations about the intersection of law and public policy.”

Roberts previously taught in the School of Policy Studies at Queen’s University, Canada. He has held visiting appointments at Georgetown University’s Graduate Public Policy Institute and at the University of Southern California’s Washington Public Affairs Center. He has been a visiting scholar at the Council for Excellence in Government in Washington D.C., a fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington D.C., and an individual program fellow of the Open Society Institute in New York. He was director of the Campbell Public Affairs Institute at Syracuse University from 2001 to 2006.

Roberts’ book, "Blacked Out: Government Secrecy in the Information Age," received the 2006 Louis Brownlow Book Award from the National Academy of Public Administration and the 2007 Book Award from the Section on Public Administration Research of the American Society for Public Administration, among other honors. His new book, "Collapse of Fortress Bush: The Crisis of Authority in American Government," examines the Bush presidency in the larger context of recent U.S. history.

“His award-winning books have made significant contributions to the scholarly literature and concrete proposals on how best to cope with issues ranging from transparency in government to a proper balance of executive and legislative power,” said Aman.

Roberts, a native of Pembroke, Ontario, Canada, received his juris doctor degree from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law in 1984, a master’s degree in public policy from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in 1986, and a Ph.D. in public policy from Harvard University in 1994.

The Jerome Lyle Rappaport Chair in Law and Public Policy was established in 2006 as part of a $5 million gift from Phyllis and Jerry Rappaport and the Jerome Lyle Rappaport Charitable Foundation. The gift helped establish the Jerome Lyle Rappaport Center for Law and Public Service and provided permanent funding for the Rappaport Fellows Program in Law and Public Policy.

March 26, 2008 -- $1 Million Gift Creates Institute for East Asian Studies at Suffolk University

First Seminar to address "Competing in Beijing: China and the 2008 Olympics"

Barbara and Richard M. Rosenberg have made a $1 million gift to Suffolk University for the creation of an Institute for East Asian Studies, which will present its first seminar, "Competing in Beijing: China and the 2008 Olympics," on Tuesday, April 8, 2008.

Rosenberg is the former chairman and chief executive officer of Bank of America and a 1952 graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences.

The Barbara and Richard M. Rosenberg Institute for East Asian Studies will serve as the University’s lead platform for analyzing important major trends in East Asian culture, history, economics, and geopolitical alliances and initiatives.

The Institute will promote exchanges among scholars, business leaders, analysts, faculty and students through am annual seminar series addressing vital topics in the field.

The, "Competing in Beijing: China and the 2008 Olympics" seminar will begin at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 8, at The State Room, 60 State St., Boston.

The seminar will take the form of an intensive conversation about the risks, challenges and opportunities presented to China and the world on the eve of these Olympic Games.

Seminar participants include:

• Keynote Speaker: Robyn Meredith, senior editor, Asia, Forbes
• Anders Bengtsson, assistant professor of Marketing, Sawyer Business School
• Michéle B. Corash, partner, Morrison & Foerster
• George Koo, director, Chinese Services Group, Deloitte & Touche
• Sandy Posa, former senior vice president of New Products, The Gillette Company

They will discuss China’s environment, economy, and marketing and consumerism.
For questions and to register, please contact Andrea Kerr at 617-573-8451 or akerr@suffolk.edu. Walk-ins are welcomed.

March 27, 2008 -- Massachusetts Health Reform Leaves Many Women Vulnerable; Suffolk University Policy Brief finds state insurance plan costs women more & may impede use of health care

BOSTON – Many low- and moderate-income women have not reaped the full benefits of Massachusetts health care reform measures, according to an analysis by the Center for Women’s Health and Human Rights at Suffolk University. The report credits Massachusetts for its efforts to improve health coverage for all, but seeks changes to ensure equal access to health care for men and women.

Women in Massachusetts have greater medical expenses than men, while earning less than men. As a result, insurance programs that require substantial deductibles, co-pays and other forms of cost-sharing may put health care out of women’s reach, according to a policy brief written by Sociology Professor Susan Sered and students pursuing the Master of Arts in Women’s Health program.

Among the findings:

Women between the ages of 45 and 64 are particularly vulnerable, since 10 percent become uninsured when their husbands retire, and many have limited access to workplace health care plans.
The out-of-pocket costs for a relatively healthy young woman enrolled in a Young Adult Plan under the new health insurance program could easily reach $6,000 in one year.
Married women are at risk for losing coverage if their marriage dissolves, since women are far more likely than men to be covered as “dependents” through their spouses’ insurance. Several married women interviewed for this brief found their ability to obtain medical care blocked by an abusive spouse.
Out-of-pocket costs may be the highest for the women who earn the least and have the greatest health problems. Moderate-income women can afford only the lowest-premium insurance plans, which typically require the highest co-payments and deductibles.

Massachusetts health care reform, designed to offer health insurance to uninsured, low-income people, was phased in beginning in summer 2006.

“While the law makes great strides in offering health care coverage to low and moderate-income people, it has not eliminated gender inequalities in the health care system.” said Sered.

The brief’s authors recommend that the Commonwealth Connector Board establish a committee of policy experts on women’s health and gender equity to monitor the impact of Massachusetts health care reform on women. Otherwise, they warn, women may be inadvertently disadvantaged by the very policies that are designed to help them.

“The need for a gender analysis at each stage of planning, implementation and evaluation is already apparent if Massachusetts health care reform is to live up to its promise of improving women’s health,” said Sered.

April 7, 2008 -- Suffolk University Law School to Host Region’s First Overview of New Federal Loan Forgiveness Law

On Tuesday, April 8, Suffolk University Law School will host the region’s first comprehensive overview and analysis of key public service provisions of the recently enacted College Cost Reduction and Access Act. This new federal law is designed to make it easier for graduates with high student debt to go into public service jobs.

The main presenter will be Philip G. Schrag, professor of law at Georgetown University and a leading expert on the Act. Schrag’s talk will include details on the magnitude of the federal loan forgiveness and Income Based Repayment (IBR) sections of the law and will guide users on how to calculate their benefits.

The College Cost Reduction and Access Act was signed into law last September, amid growing concerns about declining numbers of students pursuing careers in public service in the face of rising tuition and increased debt loads.

The Suffolk University Law School event comes at a critical time for students who are interested in public service, but are confronted with the financial reality of having to pay back exorbitant federal loans. It will offer a blueprint for how they can take advantage of the new public service federal loan forgiveness and income-based repayment provisions.

“A lot of people are not aware that this law is in effect and that they are potentially eligible for federal loan forgiveness that might influence their decision to enter into public service,” said Susan Prosnitz, executive director of the Rappaport Center for Law and Public Service at Suffolk University Law School. “This law affords important and substantial financial incentives to encourage individuals to engage in public service careers.”

When: Tuesday, April 8, from 8 to 10 a.m.

Where: Suffolk University Law School
120 Tremont St., Boston (First Floor Function Room)

Introduction & Remarks:
Dean Alfred C. Aman, Jr.
Daniel F. Conley, JD 83

Main presenter:
Philip G. Schrag, Professor of Law, Georgetown University

April 8, 2008 -- Beyond loopholes: BHI study suggests simplifying and lowering all business taxes to 5.3%

Contact:
Frank Conte
617-573-8050; 8750
fconte@beaconhill.org

BOSTON – Massachusetts business tax laws are a hodgepodge of poorly-conceived measures that violate the most fundamental principles of tax equity and efficiency. By taxing all business entities similarly and adopting unitary reporting, single-sales-factor apportionment, along with other proposed reforms, the Commonwealth could cut the corporate tax rate to 5.3% and achieve approximate revenue neutrality. The Beacon Hill Institute details these reforms in its new study, "Business Taxes in Massachusetts: Toward Fundamental Reform," released today.

BHI’s proposed reform would provide a stimulus to the state economy. The Institute predicts that its proposal would create about 4,000 new private sector jobs and $120 million in new investment upon implementation. The state would lose $86 million in revenue or about 0.41% of state tax revenue. David G. Tuerck, Executive Director of the Institute and a co-author said that “this tiny loss in revenue is well worth the economic stimulus and the tax simplification that the proposal would make possible.”

At 9.5%, Massachusetts currently levies the fourth highest statutory state corporate income tax rate in the United States. By reducing the tax rate and broadening the tax base, the BHI proposal would send a signal to the business world that Massachusetts is now a destination for adding plant and payrolls. The problem of corporate loopholes would disappear as firms found it in their interest to report income in Massachusetts rather than other states.

“Massachusetts should strive for a predictable and competitive business tax policy that serves firms, investors, workers and government in the most optimal manner,” said James Angelini, PhD, Director of the Master of Science in Taxation program in the Sawyer School of Business at Suffolk University and the lead author of the study. “A uniform rate covering a broader base would provide a stable source of revenue and promote economic growth.”

Specifically, the Institute proposes that the Commonwealth:

set the tax rate at 5.3%, the same rate as for individuals
eliminate the $2.60 per thousand tax on tangible personal property or net worth, applicable to C and S-corporations only
eliminate the conduit concept by taxing entities at the rate of 5.3% at the entity level
eliminate the double taxation of C-corporation earnings (and large S- corporations) by taxing business entities (domiciled in MA or with nexus) by 5.3% at the entity level (as apportioned if multi-state) and eliminating the tax on corporate dividends to C-corporation shareholders or flow-through income from conduits
eliminate the $456 minimum tax on C- and S-corporations
adopt combined reporting and unitary tax principles, without a “waters edge” election (this will apply to all types of entities, not just corporations)
adopt single-sales-factor apportionment for all entities and industries, not just some
allow net operating loss carryover deductions by sole proprietors, corporate trusts and partnerships
eliminate all tax incentives
allow a 100% dividends-received deduction for dividends received by corporations, regardless of the percentage owned

Against the tide of corporate tax avoidance strategies, the Commonwealth could strike a competitive blow by lowering rates rather than simply raising more revenue. “If they are expected to become viable sources of revenue in a volatile economy, business taxes must be reformed in a manner that promotes revenue stability, economic growth as well as equity, simplicity and transparency,” added Angelini.

April 18, 2008 -- "A Changing World: New England in the Photographs of Verner Reed, 1950-1972" at at Suffolk University’s Adams Gallery

BOSTON – Suffolk University presents A Changing World New England in the Photographs of Verner Reed, 1950-1972 at the Adams Gallery from April 21 through July 21, 2008.

Photojournalist Verner Reed captured the images of a rapidly expanding post-war economy in his work for Life magazine during the 1950s.

He recorded the transition as New England meadows were lost to encroaching suburbs, supermarkets replaced fruit vendors and butchers, and small farms gave way to agri-business.

Reed's photographs of New Englanders employ warmth and humor in celebrating tradition, chronicling change, and revealing the wonder of a moment.

His photographs also were featured in national publications, including Fortune and Time, regional publications such as Vermont Life and in several New England newspapers.

A Changing World: New England in the Photographs of Verner Reed, 1950-1972 is a retrospective of his work, drawing from materials donated to Historic New England by the photojournalist and his wife Deborah.

A Changing World: New England in the Photographs of Verner Reed, 1950-1972
Organized by Historic New England, Boston, Massachusetts
April 21 through July 21, 2008
Adams Gallery, Sargent Hall, Suffolk University Law School, 120 Tremont St., Boston
Open to the public from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

----
About Historic New England
Historic New England is the oldest, largest, and most comprehensive regional preservation organization in the country. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the lives and stories of New Englanders through their homes and possessions. For more information, visit www.HistoricNewEngland.org.

April 21, 2008 -- Poll: Clinton Headed for Keystone State Win

Suffolk University Survey Shows 20 percent Will Cast McCain Vote if their Preferred Candidate Loses Nomination

See Marginals and Cross Tabs

BOSTON – Hillary Clinton (52 percent) leads Barack Obama (42 percent) among likely Pennsylvania Democratic voters, according to a poll released today by Suffolk University. Four percent of Democratic voters were undecided, and 2 percent refused a response. However, 20 percent of these likely Democratic voters said they would vote for John McCain in November if their Democratic choice does not win their party's nomination.

In addition to the 20 percent of disgruntled Democratic voters defecting to McCain, another 4 percent would vote for independent Ralph Nader, and 20 percent were undecided about what they would ultimately do in November.

"Hillary Clinton's projected win in Pennsylvania poses some serious problems for the Democratic Party at this point," said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center. "First, it continues a bitter battle between the Democratic combatants; second, with 20 percent of core Democratic supporters fleeing to McCain, electability in November becomes a quantifiable problem; and third, it begs the question of who in the Democratic Party will become the ultimate peacemaker."

Nader's 4 percent could potentially quadruple, as 17 percent of Democratic respondents said that if their first choice does not get the Democratic nomination, they may vote for Nader.

Asked who would be the next president, more Democrats picked Obama (42 percent) regardless of whom they personally supported. Thirty-two percent chose Clinton, and 14 percent chose McCain, with 12 percent undecided.

A majority of respondents (56 percent) said they watched the ABC televised debate, while 44 percent did not. Clinton was the apparent winner among those who watched the debate: 46 percent said they were most impressed by her, 26 percent indicated Obama, and 28 percent were undecided.

Democrats were mostly forgiving of the recent controversies surrounding Clinton and Obama. Forty-two percent indicated that Clinton's Bosnia comment was just a mistake, while 25 percent said she exaggerated, and 21 percent said she outright lied. Nor did Obama's bitterness comment have traction with likely voters. Thirty-two percent agreed that his comment showed he is out of touch with rural Pennsylvania voters, while 56 percent disagreed.

Clinton (42 percent) was seen as the candidate best equipped to solve the country's economic troubles, followed by Obama (31 percent) and McCain (10 percent), with 17 percent undecided.

In other Suffolk University findings, 42 percent of those surveyed favored making the current administration’s tax cuts permanent, while 41 percent opposed. Yet, 27 percent favored tax increases to help close the budget deficit gap, while 65 percent opposed.

The Suffolk University poll was conducted April 19 - April 20, 2008. The margin of error on the statewide survey of 600 is +/- 4.00 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. All respondents from the statewide survey were likely Democratic Primary voters in the April 22 Pennsylvania Democratic Presidential Primary. Marginals and 80 pages of cross-tabulation data will be posted on the Suffolk University Web site – www.suffolk.edu -- on April 22. For more information, contact David Paleologos at 781-290-9310.

Suffolk University is calling a selected bellwether area in Pennsylvania on the evenings of April 20 and 21 as an added predictor module for possible election outcomes. This data will be posted April 22.

April 22, 2008 -- Bellwether Points to Clinton Win in Penn.

New Suffolk University Research Analyzes Allegheny County Households

See Frequencies

BOSTON – The Pennsylvania bellwether area of Allegheny County points to Hillary Clinton to win the Pennsylvania Democratic Primary, according to election-eve research conducted by Suffolk University.

In the random-digit-dial selection of likely Democratic households, Clinton led Barack Obama 52 percent-to-40 percent, with 6 percent undecided and 2 percent refusing to respond. This closely mirrors the 52 percent-to-42 percent statewide Democratic poll released by the Suffolk University Political Research Center on the morning of April 21.

Although bellwethers are not designed to depict actual margins, they have been remarkably accurate in predicting outcomes.

The Center’s analysis was made using a new election predictor module first employed successfully with the New Hampshire Democratic Primary; the GOP Florida Primary; the Democratic Primaries in California, Massachusetts and Tennessee; and the Ohio Election Day results. It is based on a number of statistical indices, including statewide polling and bellwether geographic areas.

“A cautionary word or two: Past bellwether performance is a guide but not a 100 percent guarantee of future performance,” said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center. “New bellwethers often are created every election cycle as people migrate and as development and geography-driven issues emerge. In addition, local endorsements from popular people can skew margins.”

The last two times a non-incumbent president was on a presidential preference ballot in Allegheny County, the bellwether area mirrored the exact order of finish statewide and was within 5 percent for the top three vote-getters in each major party.

A brief historical summary follows:

Pennsylvania Primary	Allegheny County	Statewide
1988 Democrat	Dukakis 70% Jackson 23% Gore 4%	Dukakis 67% Jackson 27% Gore 3%
1988 Republican	Bush 74% Dole 14% Robertson 12%	Bush 79% Dole 12% Robertson 9%
2000 Democrat	Gore 74% Bradley 22% LaRouche 4%	Gore 74% Bradley 21% LaRouche 5%
2000 Republican	Bush 74% McCain 22% Forbes 3%	Bush 74% McCain 22% Forbes 3%
4/21/08 Bellwether Democrat	Clinton 52% Obama 40%	Clinton 52% Obama 42%

On Jan. 29, 2008, the Political Research Center’s Florida bellwether, Hillsborough County, almost exactly matched the statewide Republican Primary results. On Jan. 8, 2008, the New Hampshire Presidential Primary bellwether towns – Kingston and Sandown – predicted a Clinton win in the Democratic Primary, while no other leading indicator in the country had Clinton winning. The bellwether analysis also was an added tool used successfully by the Center for Political Research in both the 2006 Massachusetts Gubernatorial Democratic Primary and General Election.

Suffolk University interviewed 402 likely Democratic voters from a randomly selected list of 5,000 residents of Allegheny County. All phoning took place on Sunday, April 20, and Monday, April 21. There was an equal probability of contacting and interviewing newly registered voters, recent party-switch registrants and longtime Democratic households, provided those contacted were registered Democrats and intended to vote in the Democratic Primary on Tuesday, April 22. The execution of the ID interviews was by live telephone call. For more information, please contact David Paleologos at 781-290-9310.

May 2, 2008 -- Bernstein and Wells to speak at Suffolk University Commencement Exercises

BOSTON -- Pulitzer-Prize-winning journalist Carl Bernstein and H. Thomas Wells, Jr., president-elect of the American Bar Association, will be the speakers as Suffolk University awards eight honorary degrees at its commencement exercises on Sunday, May 18, 2008, at the Bank of America Pavilion on Boston’s waterfront.

The Law School ceremonies will be held at 9:30 a.m., with Wells speaking, and Bernstein will appear at the College of Arts and Sciences and Sawyer Business School ceremonies at 2 p.m.

Carl Bernstein worked with fellow Washington Post investigative reporter Bob Woodward to uncover the Watergate cover-up that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. He is the co-author, with Woodward, of the best-seller All the President’s Men, which was made into a film, and The Final Days, an account of Nixon’s last days in office. His most recent book is A Woman in Charge, a biography of Hillary Rodham Clinton. Bernstein is now a political commentator and has been offering analysis of the 2008 election on CNN. He will receive the honorary Doctor of Journalism degree at the afternoon ceremony.

H. Thomas Wells Jr., will become president of the American Bar Association in August. He is a partner and founding member at Maynard, Cooper & Gale, P.C., in Birmingham, Ala. His practice is focused on complex environmental, toxic tort law and products liability litigation. Wells has served in leadership roles in the Alabama State Bar, the Birmingham Bar Association and the American Bar Association. He was co-chair of the ABA’s Special Committee on Disaster Response, established after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and has served on the ABA Commission on the American Jury and its Commission on the Future of the Legal Profession. Wells will receive the honorary Doctor of Laws degree at the morning ceremony.

The following honorees will join Wells in receiving honorary degrees from the Law School:

The Hon, Michael E. Capuano, representative, Eight Congressional District, honorary Doctor of Laws
The Hon. Richard G. Stearns, U.S. District judge, District of Massachusetts, honorary Doctor of Laws
The Hon. Laura Taylor Swain, U.S. District judge, Southern District of New York, honorary Doctor of Laws

The following honorees will join Bernstein in receiving honorary degrees from the College of Arts and Sciences and Sawyer Business School:

Joseph P. Campanelli, president and CEO of Sovereign Bancorp, Inc., and Sovereign Bank, honorary Doctor of Commercial Science
Maxine Hong Kingston, award-winning author, honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
Vivian Pinn, director of the Office of Research on Women’s Health at the National Institutes of Health, honorary Doctor of Science

On Saturday, May 17, Suffolk University’s Graduate School ceremonies will take place. Joseph P. Campanelli will address the Sawyer School of Business graduate students at 10 a.m., Sheraton Boston, 39 Dalton St. Maxine Hong Kingston will address the College of Arts and Sciences graduate students at 1 p.m. at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel, 606 Congress St. Campanelli and Kingston each will be awarded honorary degrees at the afternoon undergraduate commencement exercises on Sunday, May 18.

May 5, 2008 -- Poll: Clinton Leads Obama in Hoosier State

Suffolk University Survey Shows 38 percent Will Cast McCain Vote if their Preferred Candidate Loses Nomination

BOSTON – Hillary Clinton (49 percent) leads Barack Obama (43 percent) among likely Indiana Democratic voters, according to a poll released today by Suffolk University.

Six percent of Democratic voters were undecided, and 2 percent refused a response. However, 38 percent of these likely Democratic voters -- which include registered Democrats, Republicans, members of other political parties and independents -- said they would vote for John McCain in November if their Democratic choice does not win the party's nomination.

"It's no slam-dunk, but Hillary Clinton is poised to win the Hoosier state, provided there aren't some critical turnovers late," said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center.† "Although the margin appears to be single digits at this point, the outcome will hinge on high turnouts in Marion and Lake counties, which are crucial for Obama."

Despite Clinton's lead, Obama was seen as more popular (58 percent favorable - 29 percent unfavorable) than Clinton (53 percent favorable - 36 percent unfavorable). In addition, slightly more voters said that Obama (35 percent) would be the next president, compared to 28 percent for Clinton and 25 percent for McCain.

Only 44 percent of Indiana Democratic Primary voters said that, if their choice lost the Democratic nomination, they would still vote Democratic. A considerably high 38 percent indicated they would vote for McCain, while 6 percent said they would vote for independent Ralph Nader, and an additional 11 percent were undecided.

"This 38 percent is one of several statistical signs that Republicans are meddling in the Democratic fray, knowing full well they will vote Republican come November," said Paleologos.

A majority (54 percent) cited the economy as the most important issue facing the country, followed by the war in Iraq (21 percent) and health care (12 percent).

In other Suffolk University findings, a plurality of Democratic Primary voters (48 percent) said they favored making the president's tax cuts permanent, while only 33 percent opposed. Seventy percent of respondents rejected tax increases to help close the budget deficit gap, while 23 percent supported them.

In the race for the Democratic nomination for governor, Jill Long Thompson (35 percent) led Jim Schellinger (27 percent). Meanwhile, a whopping 36 percent still have not made a choice, suggesting that some of these undecided voters will vote Republican for governor come November.

The Suffolk University poll was conducted May 3 and May 4, 2008. The margin of error on the statewide survey of 600 is +/- 4 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. All respondents from the statewide survey were likely Democratic Primary voters in the May 6 Indiana Democratic Presidential Primary. Marginals and cross-tabulation data will be posted on the Suffolk University Political Research Center Web site – www.suffolk.edu/college/1450.html -- on May 5. For more information, contact David Paleologos at 781-290-9310.

Suffolk University has selected a bellwether area in Indiana to call on the evenings of May 4 and May 5 as an added predictor module for possible election outcomes. This data will be posted May 6.

May 6, 2008 -- Indiana Bellwether Points to Clinton Win

New Suffolk University Research Analyzes Delaware County Households

BOSTON – The Indiana bellwether area of Delaware County points to Hillary Clinton to win the Indiana Democratic Primary, according to election-eve research conducted by Suffolk University.

In the random-digit-dial selection of likely Democratic households, Clinton led Barack Obama 44 percent-to-37 percent, with 16 percent undecided and 3 percent refusing to respond. This 7-percent margin closely mirrors the 49-percent-to-43-percent-margin statewide Democratic poll released by the Suffolk University Political Research Center on the morning of May 5.

Although bellwethers are a developing science and are not designed to depict actual margins, they have been remarkably accurate in predicting outcomes.

The Center’s 2008 analyses were made using a new election predictor module employed successfully with the Democratic Primaries in New Hampshire, California, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Ohio and Pennsylvania and the GOP Florida Primary. It is based on a number of statistical indices, including statewide polling and bellwether geographic areas.

“We’ll be watching how Delaware County fares in today’s election,” said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center. “Historical election trends have put Delaware County in the Indiana spotlight. We'll know in a matter of hours whether this trend will continue in the 2008 election.”

The last two times a non-incumbent president was on a presidential preference ballot in Delaware County, in 1988 and 2000, the bellwether area mirrored not only the exact order of finish statewide, but was within 4 percent for the top three vote-getters in each major party.

Since the bellwether predictor module was incorporated as a sister-test to the Suffolk statewide polling, no actual election result has run counter to the statewide poll and the bellwether, when both tests have agreed. When the two tests disagree, the bellwether test(s) have oftentimes been more accurate.

On Jan. 29, 2008, the Political Research Center’s Florida bellwether, Hillsborough County, almost exactly matched the statewide Republican Primary results. On Jan. 8, 2008, the New Hampshire Presidential Primary bellwether towns – Kingston and Sandown – predicted a Clinton win in the Democratic Primary, while no other leading indicator in the country had Clinton winning. The bellwether analysis was also highly successful as an added statistical test to the statewide polls of Democratic voters in Ohio and Pennsylvania. The bellwether analysis was also used in both the 2006 Massachusetts Gubernatorial Democratic Primary and General Elections.

Suffolk University interviewed 361 likely Democratic voters from a randomly selected list of 5,000 residents of Delaware County, Ind. All phoning took place on Sunday, May 4, and Monday, May 5, 2008. There was an equal probability of contacting and interviewing registered voters of all party affiliations, provided that they identified themselves as very likely or somewhat likely to take a Democratic ballot on Tuesday. The execution of the identification interviews was by live telephone call. For more information, please contact David Paleologos at 781-290-9310.

May 11, 2008 -- Poll Predicts 36-Point Clinton Landslide in W. Virginia

Voters Say Clinton’s Persistence Will Not Hurt the Democratic Party

BOSTON – Although Barack Obama is the likely Democratic nominee, West Virginia Democratic voters are marching to a different drummer, as Hillary Clinton leads Obama by 36 points among likely Democratic voters, according to a poll released today by Suffolk University.

Sixty percent of voters polled preferred Clinton to Obama (24 percent). John Edwards, whose name remains on all West Virginia ballots, polled 4 percent, while 2 percent had no preference; 8 percent were undecided; and 2 percent refused a response.

Respondents said Clinton should stay in the primary fight and that she is not hurting the Democratic Party by staying in the race. Sixty-seven percent of likely Democratic voters said Clinton should stay in the race, regardless of what happens on Tuesday, and 24 percent said she should get out. Seventy-two percent said she is not hurting the Democratic Party by running in the remaining primaries, while 20 percent said she is doing the party harm.

Obama's favorability (44 percent favorable - 41 percent unfavorable) was relatively low, compared to Clinton (70 percent favorable - 21 percent unfavorable).

West Virginia has voted Democratic in eight of the last 12 general elections, dating back to 1960, but these findings could indicate difficulties for Obama in 2008.

"Barack Obama may have to write off West Virginia come November," said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center. "In 2000, Al Gore won seventy-two percent of West Virginia Democratic Primary voters and lost the state’s general election to George Bush by six percent; in 2004, John Kerry won sixty-nine percent of West Virginia Democratic Primary voters and lost the state’s general election to George Bush by thirteen percent. If Barack Obama can't even garner thirty percent of West Virginia Democratic Primary voters, what does that say about the West Virginia general election?"

West Virginia Democratic voters’ party loyalty also is fragile. Asked what they would do if their first choice for the Democratic nomination lost, 40 percent of respondents said they would still vote for the Democratic nominee; 23 percent said they would jump parties and vote for Republican John McCain; 6 percent would vote for independent candidate Ralph Nader; 30 percent were undecided; while 2 percent refused a response.

West Virginia Democratic voters appeared to be in denial about the delegate projections. Asked who would be the next president, regardless of whom they personally supported, 31 percent said Clinton; 27 percent, Obama; 26 percent, McCain; and 11 percent were undecided.

In other Suffolk University findings, 51 percent of those surveyed said that Obama could beat McCain in the general election, while 29 percent said he could not, and 20 percent were undecided.

The Suffolk University bellwether of Mason County, which was a sister-test to the statewide survey, also showed a commanding Clinton lead of 65 percent, with Obama at 16 percent; Edwards, 3 percent; no preference, 2 percent; 10 percent undecided, and 5 percent refused a response. The Mason County, West Virginia, Primary returns have been in the correct order and within 5 percent of the actual statewide Primary results from both parties in years where an incumbent U.S. president has not been on the ballot.

The Suffolk University poll was conducted May 10 and May 11, 2008. The margin of error on the statewide survey of 600 is +/- 4.00 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. All respondents from the statewide survey were likely voters in the May 13 West Virginia Democratic Presidential Primary. Marginals and 110 pages of cross-tabulation data will be posted on the Suffolk University Political Research Center Web site – http://suffolk.edu/college/1450.html -- on May 12.

The Suffolk University election predictor bellwether ID sister-test (400 contacts) was made May 10. There was an equal probability of contacting and interviewing registered voters of all party affiliations, provided that they identified themselves as likely to take a Democratic ballot on Tuesday. For more information, contact David Paleologos at 781-290-9310.

May 13, 2008 -- Suffolk University-NECN Partnership Focuses on Tremont St. TV Studio

BOSTON – Suffolk University and New England Cable News have formed a partnership that will allow NECN to broadcast from the University’s new state-of-the-art television studio at 73 Tremont St.

NECN, which is headquartered in suburban Newton, will use the Suffolk University TV studio in downtown Boston for live reports and for interviews with newsmakers from City Hall, Beacon Hill and the Financial District. NECN will use the studio primarily for guests on its evening, prime-time programs, such as Business Day (6:30 to 7 p.m.), NewsNight with Jim Braude (8-8:30 p.m.) and The News at 9. Suffolk University professors also will provide commentary and analysis.

"We are very excited about this partnership, which will not only give NECN access to a wonderful downtown studio, but also to the expertise of Suffolk professors,'' said NECN President and General Manager Charles J. Kravetz. "We very much look forward to working together to enrich our coverage of Boston, and to forging a long alliance with a great institution.''

Mayor Thomas M. Menino is scheduled to sit down May 22 with Jim Braude, host of NECN’s NewsNight program, as NECN’s first guest from the studio.

The high-definition studio opened in February to provide the latest technology to television production and broadcast journalism classes within the University’s Communication and Journalism Department.

“We’re proud to partner with such a venerable news organization,” said Suffolk University President David J. Sargent. “Our partnership with NECN adds a whole new dimension to a studio that is already enabling Suffolk students to receive state-of-the-art experience in television studio production.”

The studio is equipped with three high-definition digital cameras, a full lighting grid and a state-of-the-art control room. It features a ticker tape and multiple video screens visible to pedestrians along Tremont Street.

May 13, 2008 -- Study: Real Cost of Massachusetts Medical Malpractice Premiums Has Declined; Suffolk Law Research Raises Questions about Assertions of Financial Crisis

BOSTON -- Reports of skyrocketing medical malpractice premiums in Massachusetts are flawed, according to a Suffolk University Law School study that found Bay State physicians actually saw their inflation-adjusted malpractice premiums drop between 1990 and 2005.

The new study, to be released May 13 in the May/June issue of the journal Health Affairs, raises serious questions about claims that Massachusetts doctors are facing a medical malpractice premium crisis that threatens the viability of medical practice in the Bay State.

Massachusetts has the fourth-highest median malpractice settlement payments in the nation, and therefore should have the fourth-highest premiums. Yet, when adjusted for inflation, Bay State physicians’ malpractice premiums were lower in 2005 than in 1990 in nearly all cases. The study -- which provides the most comprehensive analysis of premiums to date -- clashes with popular perceptions and assumptions underlying legislative proposals to cap damages awards.

Suffolk University Law School researchers Marc Rodwin and colleagues analyzed malpractice premiums from 1975 to 2005 using data from the state-regulated mutual insurer known as Pro-Mutual. In 2005, malpractice premiums were $17,810 for the coverage level and policy type that physicians most frequently purchased, compared with $17,907 in 1990. Despite premium increases since 1995 or 2000 for all physicians, premiums were still lower in 2005 than 1990, when they reached a 30-year peak. Mean premiums increased in only three specialties comprising 4 percent of physicians: obstetrics, neurology and orthopedists performing spinal surgery.

The study furthermore documents growing differences among premiums paid within each practice specialty since 1990. That’s when insurers began to adjust rates for each practice specialty by discounting low-risk physicians and surcharging those with high risks. By 2005, there was a threefold difference in premiums for physicians within OB-GYN, the highest-risk specialty, as a result of rate discounts and surcharges based on an individual physician’s risk factors. As a result, although mean OB-GYN premiums increased significantly since 1990, nearly one-third of physicians in OB-GYN paid lower premiums in 2005 than in 1990.

The authors note that premiums for OB-GYN are higher than for most other physicians because infants injured in birth sometimes require lifelong custodial care, which is very expensive. They therefore recommend that patient safety and quality efforts should focus on OB-GYN and the two other high-risk specialties to reduce injuries. When similar efforts were undertaken in anesthesiology in the 1990s, injuries fell dramatically, and premiums did as well.

The authors also propose alternative means to compensate injuries. For infants injured in birth they recommend a no-fault compensation system such as those used in Virginia and Florida. Alternatively they suggest shifting liability from physicians to hospitals for all injuries that occur in hospitals. Both proposals would reduce the malpractice premiums for high-risk physicians while still compensating patients.

May 14, 2008 -- Moakley Foundation Announces Scholarships; Honors James Linnehan & Jeanne Hession with Public Service Awards

BOSTON -- The John Joseph Moakley Charitable Foundation Public Service Award will be awarded to attorneys James F. Linnehan and Jeanne M. Hession at the Foundation’s Seventh Annual Scholarship Award Ceremony on Thursday, May 29, 2008 at Suffolk University Law School.

Twenty-eight scholarships will be presented this year to students pursuing higher education at the undergraduate or graduate level and for vocational education. More than $110,000 in scholarships will be awarded.

“The Moakley Foundation is proud to honor James Linnehan and Jeanne Hession with the 2008 Moakley Foundation Public Service Award in recognition of their lifelong commitment to public service, especially their commitment to the Foundation’s mission of continuing the public service legacy of their longtime friend, Joe Moakley,” said Frederick Clark, president of the John Joseph Moakley Charitable Foundation and chairman of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education.

Hession and Linnehan were classmates of Moakley’s at Suffolk University Law School, where they all were members of the Class of ’56. Hession and Linnehan are life members of the Suffolk University board of trustees, and Moakley served on the board with them for many years.

Guests at the Foundation’s Scholarship Award Ceremony will include Congressman James McGovern; Clark; and Suffolk University President David J. Sargent. The ceremony will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at Suffolk University Law School, which is the home of the John Joseph Moakley Archive and Institute.

The John Joseph Moakley Charitable Foundation awards scholarships on a competitive basis each spring to successful applicants who demonstrate financial need, acceptance to a post -secondary vocational education program or to an institution of higher education for undergraduate or graduate study and a desire to pursue public or charitable service as a vocation or as an avocation.

The John Joseph Moakley Charitable Foundation was established to continue the extraordinary public service legacy of Congressman Moakley, whose career as a public servant spanned nearly 50 years and who had long championed improving educational opportunities for all people. The John Joseph Moakley Charitable Foundation is committed to continuing his work through its scholarship program. To date the Moakley Foundation has awarded more than $1.3 million in scholarships and grants since its creation in 2001.

For more information, visit http://www.moakleyfoundation.com/.

John Joseph Moakley Charitable Foundation
Seventh Annual Scholarship Award Ceremony
5-7 p.m. Thursday, May 29, 2008
Suffolk University Law School
120 Tremont St., Boston

May 19, 2008 -- Polls: Clinton Solid in Kentucky; Oregon is Obama's in Tight Race

Two States Worlds Apart on Obama Popularity

BOSTON – Two states. Two Democratic Primaries on the same night. And the differences in the contests are like night and day, according to a Suffolk University poll.

In Kentucky, Hillary Clinton (51 percent) led Barack Obama (25 percent) by 26 points, followed by John Edwards (6 percent) and "uncommitted" (5 percent), while 11 percent were undecided.

In Oregon, Obama (45 percent) led Clinton (41 percent) by 4 points, with 8 percent undecided and 6 percent refusing a response.

“With the nominating contest winding down, it’s unusual – to say the least – to have two states’ polls literally poles apart,” said David Paleologos, director of the Political Research Center at Boston’s Suffolk University. “And I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a disparity in a presidential candidate’s popularity from state to state.”

The most dramatic difference was in Obama’s personal popularity. In Kentucky, Obama was recording favorability similar to his rating in West Virginia, with a 43 percent favorable rating and a 43 percent unfavorable rating. (In West Virginia, Obama had 44 percent favorable and 41 percent unfavorable ratings and lost by 41 points to Clinton.) Yet Obama's popularity soars in Oregon, where 73 percent view him favorably and 15 percent unfavorably.

"Usually when a candidate has a high favorability, it trends high nationally, with limited variations regionally. Here, when you get to states like Kentucky and West Virginia, there's a kind of political inelasticity or unwillingness to replicate Obama's popularity elsewhere."

Both Beaver and Bluegrass voters predict that Obama will be the next president. In Kentucky, 41 percent of Democratic voters said Obama would be the next president, followed by Republican John McCain (25 percent), Clinton (13 percent), and 20 percent undecided. In Oregon, 59 percent said Obama, 11 percent indicated Clinton, 9 percent chose McCain, and 20 percent were undecided.

Kentucky voters, asked which candidate was more electable against McCain, chose Clinton (46 percent) over Obama (39 percent). In Oregon, the numbers more than reversed, with 52 percent answering Obama and 28 percent, Clinton.

Kentucky and Oregon expressed differing degrees of loyalty.

Asked what they would do if their first choice for the Democratic nomination lost, 41 percent of Kentucky Democratic voters said they would still vote for the Democratic nominee; 28 percent said they would jump parties and vote for McCain; 4 percent would vote for independent candidate Ralph Nader; and 24 percent were undecided.

By contrast, Oregon Democratic loyalty ran very strong. Fifty-nine percent of respondents said they would still vote for the Democratic nominee; 19 percent said they would vote for McCain; 5 percent would vote for Nader; and 13 percent were undecided.

The Suffolk University bellwethers of Montgomery County, Kentucky, and Marion County, Oregon, which were sister-tests to the statewide surveys, followed the same trend.

In Montgomery County, Clinton led Obama by 28 points, closely mirroring the statewide Kentucky poll (Clinton - 55 percent to Obama - 17 percent, followed by Kentucky ballot options "uncommitted," 5 percent and Edwards, 3 percent, with 14 percent undecided and 7 percent refused.

In Marion County, Obama led Clinton 44 percent to 42 percent, with 8 percent undecided and 6 percent refused. This confirms the single-digit close race in Oregon recorded by the statewide poll.

"Obama's early mail-in voting advantage may be the difference in this close race."

Since the bellwether predictor module was incorporated as a sister-test to the Suffolk statewide polling, no actual election result has run counter to the winners of the statewide poll and the bellwether, when both tests have agreed. When the two tests disagree, the bellwether test(s) have oftentimes been more accurate.

Both bellwether counties’ election returns from both parties have been within 5 percent of the actual statewide Primary results in years where an incumbent U.S. president has not been on the ballot.

The Suffolk University polls were conducted May 17 - 18, 2008. The margin of error on the statewide surveys of 600 is +/- 4.00 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. All respondents from the statewide surveys were likely voters in the May 20 respective Democratic Presidential Primaries. Marginals and cross-tabulation data will be posted on the Suffolk University Political Research Center Web site – www.suffolk.edu/college/1450.html -- on May 19.

The Suffolk University election predictor bellwether ID sister-tests (300 contacts, Montgomery County and 149 contacts, Marion County) were made May 18. There was an equal probability of contacting and interviewing likely Democratic voters, provided that they identified themselves as very likely or somewhat likely to take a Democratic ballot on Tuesday. For more information, contact David Paleologos at 781-290-9310.

June 4, 2008 -- Suffolk Law School Wins International Award in Recognition of Human Rights Conference

BOSTON – Suffolk University Law School’s Center for Advanced Legal Studies will receive the top public interest award from the international Association for Continuing Legal Education (ACLEA) in recognition of the Center’s 2007 “Centennial Conference on International Human Rights.”

The ACLEA Award for Professional Excellence -- one of 15 annual awards granted to competitors from more than 300 organizations -- recognizes Suffolk Law’s Center for Advanced Legal Studies in the Public Interest category. Suffolk is the first law school to receive the top award in the Public Interest category.

“We are honored that Suffolk Law School’s international human rights conference drew the attention of the ACLEA judges,” said Advanced Legal Studies Director Carole Wagan. “More important, the Law School is proud that we were able to build awareness among lawyers and the public regarding the scope of the problems and the need for legislative action and advocacy.”

The two-day “Centennial Conference on International Human Rights” focused on two distinct but related areas:

“Implementing Human Rights in Massachusetts: Legislative Strategies & Responsibilities” was the first conference in the United States to address the human rights responsibilities of state and municipal officials.
“Hidden Epidemic: Child Sex Trafficking” brought together a panel of national experts who illustrated the nature of the problem, the scope and what can be done. The goal was to educate but also to inspire with success stories.

The conference attracted 75 lawyers, including government attorneys, human rights commission members and legal services lawyers; government officials; human rights advocates; academics; law school and high school students.

It was presented in partnership with Suffolk University’s Center for Women’s Health and Human Rights, National Women Law Student Association and Moakley Institute. Additional supporters were the Massachusetts CEDAW Project, the National Lawyers Guild, Northeastern University Law School’s Program on Human Rights and the Global Economy, the Women’s Bar Association, the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights under the Law and the Massachusetts Bar Association.

ACLEA members are professionals in the fields of continuing legal education, and legal publishing. The organization’s annual awards are highly competitive, and winning projects represent the highest level of achievement for the staff and volunteers involved.

A formal presentation of the award will be made at the ACLEA annual meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Aug. 5, 2008.

June 10, 2008 -- Beacon Hill Civic Association, Suffolk University Reach Agreement on Institutional Master Plan

The Board of Directors of the Beacon Hill Civic Association (BHCA) last night approved an agreement negotiated with Suffolk University regarding the school’s Institutional Master Plan (IMP), which is being reviewed by the Boston Redevelopment Authority.

The agreement, which addresses neighborhood concerns about the school’s transformation from a commuter school to an urban residential university, extends the current non-expansion zone on Beacon Hill and caps undergraduate enrollment at 5,000 over the course of the 10-year master plan.

Under the terms of the pact, the BHCA agreed not to oppose Suffolk’s IMP.

Other key terms of the proposed agreement include:

• Creation of a new “Non-Expansion Zone” placing nearly all of Beacon Hill under protected status;

• Classroom seats in the Derne/Temple area will be reduced as new classrooms are developed in other buildings at 20 Somerset Street and other buildings off Beacon Hill;

• The BHCA will not oppose Suffolk’s development of 20 Somerset Street into an arts school, with additional academic uses, as described in Suffolk’s Article 80 IMP proposal;

• The BHCA agrees to support Suffolk’s development of the Modern Theater dormitory project, subject to Article 80 Large Project Review;

• Suffolk agrees to pursue a goal of housing 50 percent of its undergraduates on-campus within 10 years; 60 percent within 15 years and 70 percent within 20 years;

• Suffolk will cease institutional use of the Ridgeway Building on Cambridge Street when a new athletic facility is built. The cafeteria in the Donahue Building on Temple Street will close when a new student center with a cafeteria is developed. A small food kiosk may remain in the Donahue Building;

• Suffolk agrees to make permanent its Office of Neighborhood Response program, including paid Boston Police details;

• Suffolk and BHCA will form a joint ad hoc committee, to meet at least quarterly, to discuss the implementation of the agreement.

• The agreement will be enforceable in court.

“This agreement creates a mechanism that legally protects the residential quality of Beacon Hill and enables the BHCA to constructively engage with Suffolk for years to come,” said BHCA Board Chairman John Achatz. “We are pleased that Suffolk has entered into this agreement, and the board looks forward to a more positive relationship with Suffolk in the future.”

“We are pleased that the Beacon Hill Civic Association board has voted to support this landmark agreement, which will allow for sensitive and responsible development by Suffolk, while protecting the Beacon Hill neighborhood,” said John Nucci, Suffolk University’s vice president for external affairs. “The agreement was designed with the goals of both Suffolk and Beacon Hill in mind, and it bodes well for a peaceful coexistence for decades to come.”

The agreement must be signed and filed with the city by the June 18 deadline for comments on Suffolk’s master plan.

June 11, 2008 -- Obama Up in Massachusetts Despite Clinton Defections: Poll Shows Obama Voters Want Hillary in Cabinet

Democrat Barack Obama (53 percent) leads Republican John McCain (30 percent) by a comfortable margin among Massachusetts voters, according to a poll released today by 7NEWS/Suffolk University. Just 3 percent selected Ralph Nader and 13 percent were undecided. Despite the Obama lead, 26 percent of Clinton supporters were undecided between a match-up of Democrat Obama and Republican McCain, while an additional 20 percent of Clinton supporters said they will vote for McCain come November.

"The Bay State will be blue in November, despite this snapshot in time showing Hillary Clinton supporters still seeing red three days after her concession, and singing the blues," said David Paleologos, Director of the Political Research Center at Suffolk University in Boston (SUPRC). "While November is still five months off, with only 54 percent of Massachusetts' Clinton voters saying they'll vote for Obama, it portends unity problems in swing states where the margin is much closer."

The low 54 percent unity number jumps to 80 percent when Clinton voters were asked whether they would vote for Obama if Hillary Clinton were his running mate. A clear majority (56 percent) of all Democratic voters said that they believe Hillary Clinton wants to be Vice President while 31 percent said she did not.

A majority of Obama voters (54 percent) feel their candidate is stronger without Hillary Clinton on the ticket. Among Obama voters, 55 percent did not think Obama should pick Clinton, while 31 percent did. However, 87 percent of Obama voters would still vote for Obama if Clinton were on the ticket, while 10 percent said they would not.

A strong consensus of Obama voters (69 percent) said that he should offer Clinton a position in his cabinet while just 24 percent rejected the idea.

Republican voters didn't think John McCain would pick Mitt Romney as his running mate. Just 38 percent indicated that McCain would pick the former Governor, while 44 percent said that he would not, and 17 percent were undecided.

Added Paleologos, "For John McCain, the perceived Achilles heel - that he's too old to be President - seems to hold little weight with Massachusetts voters. Exactly 68 percent say that he is not too old while just 28 percent said that he is. Despite the good news for Barack Obama, 52 percent of all Massachusetts respondents said that race would be an issue in the November election while 44 percent said that it would not and 4 percent were undecided."

Asked who would be the next president, 55 percent said Barack Obama, 29 percent said John McCain, and 14 percent were undecided.

The 7NEWS/Suffolk University poll was conducted Sunday, June 8, 2008 through Tuesday, June 10, 2008. The margin of error on the study of 500 is +/- 4.40 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. All respondents from the statewide survey were General Election voters in Massachusetts. Marginals and 130 pages of cross-tabulation data will be posted on the Suffolk University Political Research Center web site on June 12, 2008. For more information, contact David Paleologos at 781-290-9310.

June 16, 2008 -- Initiative for Diversity in Civic Leadership to Honor Second Graduating Class

Fitchburg Mayor Lisa Wong to Participate in Extraordinary Event

BOSTON - On Monday, June 16, 2008 from 5:30-8 p.m. in the Great Hall at the Massachusetts State House twenty-six people of color from the Greater Boston area will comprise the second graduating class of the Initiative for Diversity in Civic Leadership (IDCL).

Fitchburg Mayor Lisa Wong will be the keynote speaker. Invited guests include elected officials, government appointees, funding representatives, distinguished educators, and business and community leaders.

The Initiative for Diversity in Civic Leadership, managed by a partnership between ¿Oíste?, Suffolk Univiersity and MassVOTE, is a three-year effort to provide education and training opportunities to help individuals from diverse political backgrounds to successfully run for elected office, manage and run political campaigns, and serve in all levels of government. ¿Oíste? is in charge of the overall administration of the program and curriculum development, while MassVOTE is responsible for the development and implementation of the recruitment and admission process. Suffolk University provides the classroom space, administrative and academic support (including lectures from a number of professors) and assistance with curriculum development of the program.

“With this graduating class, IDCL has now trained 54 people of color ready to take on elected and appointed government positions throughout Greater Boston,” said Giovanna Negretti, Executive Director of ¿Oíste?, the Latino Civic Education Initiative, and the lead managing partner of the IDCL. “Given the changes in demographics in communities throughout the state and the country, government and political campaigns must evolve and grow to best reflect the people they serve. Within the next couple of years, these faces will be the next generation of public servants in places such as Boston, Chelsea, Cambridge, Somerville, Brockton, Brookline and Framingham.”

“These Initiative for Diversity in Civic Leadership graduates are poised to make a substantial impact on the political landscape of Greater Boston,” said Assistant Professor Government Teri Fair, the Suffolk University coordinator for the initiative. “As they take their places in elective and appointed offices, the region’s political leadership will reflect a more representative democracy. Congratulations, on behalf of Suffolk University, to all of the 2008 graduates.”

Funding for the IDCL program is provided by a funding collaborative which includes Access Strategies Fund, The Boston Foundation, The Herman and Frieda L. Miller Foundation, The Hyams Foundation, The Jobin-Leeds Partnership for Democracy and Education, LLC, and The New Community Fund.

“We are so proud to be part of this Initiative in Boston, “said Robert Lewis, Jr., vice president for Program for the Boston Foundation and closing speaker at the ceremony. “This second graduating class represents a new phase in politics in Greater Boston. As graduates go onto to run for office, hold appointed positions, and work on campaigns, we will experience a new reality – a government truly representative of the people, of all people. On behalf of the funding collaborative, we extend heartfelt congratulations to all the graduates and look forward to their campaigns in ’09 and beyond.”

¿Oíste? was founded in 1999 by several Latino activists from across the state who were concerned about the lack of Latino political representation and civic participation in Massachusetts. Its mission is to promote the principles and practice of democracy and to advance the political, social and economic standing of Latinos and Latinas in the state.

The mission of MassVOTE is to support the non-profit community in urban neighborhoods to increase voter participation in underrepresented communities; enhance the capacity of non-profits and neighborhood groups to impact local and state public policy through increased voter participation and electoral reform campaigns; address institutional barriers underlying non-voting from outdated poll procedures and discriminatory voting methods to the lack of basic civic education about elections and government; and create a sustainable urban voter engagement model for replication in other cities in Massachusetts.

June 16, 2008 -- Candidate Kerry Shows Potential Weakness: 7NEWS/Suffolk University Poll Indicates Voters Would Welcome New Blood

BOSTON – If John Kerry were to face a strong candidate in running for re-election this fall, he might be vulnerable, as 51 percent of general election voters polled by 7NEWS/Suffolk University said it's time to give someone else a chance, while 38 percent said the senator deserves to be reelected. Nine percent were undecided, and 2 percent refused a response in the poll released today.

"This number signals to us a potential weakness; if the right candidate came along, John Kerry would be vulnerable," said David Paleologos, director of the Political Research Center at Suffolk University in Boston. "The hook is that no credible candidate has challenged Kerry to date, and it all comes down to the choices on the actual ballot."

Still, Kerry's weakness could be seen in several key areas: 56 percent of independents -- the largest voting block by far in Massachusetts -- said it was time to give someone else a chance. This sentiment was shared by 55 percent of voters over age 55; 60 percent of those living in Worcester, Hampden, Hampshire, Berkshire and Franklin counties; and 61 percent of voters in Bristol, Plymouth, Norfolk, Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket counties.

An April 2007 7NEWS/Suffolk University poll showed that only 37 percent of Massachusetts likely voters believed Kerry deserved to be reelected, while 56 percent said it was time to give someone else a chance.

Governor Deval Patrick didn't fare much better: 39 percent of respondents said that Patrick deserved a second term, while 41 percent said it was time to give someone else a chance, and 20 percent were undecided. Patrick was weaker among men, independents, and the Southeastern Massachusetts/Cape Cod region.

Respondents also projected -- 47 percent to 20 percent) -- that if Democratic nominee Barack Obama wins in November, Patrick will leave Massachusetts to join his administration in Washington D.C.

"It appears that voters believe Governor Patrick has other irons in the fire," said Paleologos. "Certainly, if the opportunity presents itself -- and respondents feel that it is quite possible -- Patrick could make another career move come November."

When respondents were asked, despite their personal preferences, who would be the next president, 55 percent said Barack Obama, 29 percent said John McCain, and 14 percent were undecided.

The 7NEWS/Suffolk University poll was conducted Sunday, June 8, 2008, through Tuesday, June 10, 2008. The margin of error on the study of 500 is +/- 4.40 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. All respondents from the statewide survey were General Election voters in Massachusetts. Marginals and 130 pages of cross-tabulation data will be posted on the Suffolk University Political Research Center web site – www.suffolk.edu/college/1450 html -- on June 16, 2008. For more information, contact David Paleologos at 781-290-9310.

July 30, 2008 -- "Stories in Stone: The Historic Burying Grounds of Boston" at Suffolk University’s Adams Gallery

BOSTON – Preachers, patriots and artists lie alongside pirates and slaves in Boston’s early graveyards, and their lives provide inspiration for the exhibit Stories in Stone: The Historic Burying Grounds of Boston, at the Adams Gallery at Suffolk University from Aug. 1 through Oct. 20, 2008.

Stories in Stone draws on artworks, archival records and photography to paint a picture of life and culture in Boston dating from the colony’s first settlement to today.

Bostonians of means had stones erected in memory of family members, and the images and epitaphs on these early grave markers tell individual stories while reflecting cultural changes from the 17th through 19th centuries.

The legend of Paul Revere is illustrated with the patriot’s portrait, his engraving of the “Boston Massacre,” and an excerpt from Longfellow’s poem celebrating the Revere’s “Midnight Ride.” Revere is buried in the Granary Burying Ground, as are the victims of the Boston Massacre.

The exhibit also looks at the stonemason’s art, the meaning of gravestone iconography and preservation efforts.

The stories continue today, with photographs showing neighbors who have adopted a pair of historic graveyards in South Boston. They plant flowers and feed birds in a spot seen as an oasis in their densely populated neighborhood.

The exhibit is presented by Suffolk University in partnership with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department’s Historic Burying Grounds Initiative.

Stories in Stone: The Historic Burying Grounds of Boston
Adams Gallery
David J. Sargent Hall
Suffolk University
120 Tremont St., Boston
Gallery hours: 9 a.m. -.7 p.m. daily
www.suffolk.edu/adamsgallery

Images available

-----
Suffolk University’s Adams Gallery presents exhibits on themes related to Boston history. Its location on the Freedom Trail, in the historic heart of Boston, makes it a natural site for exhibits of original materials or reproductions of importance in the chronology of Boston and New England.

July 30, 2008 -- Supreme Judicial Court Justice Greaney to Join Suffolk Law School

Will serve as Director of Macaronis Institute for Trial and Appellate Advocacy

BOSTON -- Justice John M. Greaney of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court will join Suffolk University Law School as director of the Macaronis Institute for Trial and Appellate Advocacy.

Greaney’s appointment, effective Dec. 1, 2008, was announced by Suffolk University President David J. Sargent and Board Chairman Nicholas Macaronis, a distinguished alumnus and prominent Lowell attorney for whom the institute is named.

“Justice Greaney brings a wealth of experience at every level of the judiciary, for which he has won the admiration of people both within and outside of the legal profession,” said President Sargent. “Our students will benefit from his tutelage, and he brings inspired ideas to the Macaronis Institute.”

The Macaronis Institute, founded in 1999, offers highly specialized programs to practicing attorneys and law students.

“I am honored by my appointment to Suffolk University Law School, which has a tradition of excellence that I will endeavor to serve and enhance,” said Greaney. “The Macaronis Institute, through its civil litigation concentration, trains law students to provide essential services in areas of practice that are vital to the maintenance of our system of justice. In addition to teaching, I will work assiduously to add to the wide range of services, courses and programs that the Institute conducts, so that it will continue its status as a respected center for trial and appellate advocacy and related legal studies.’’

As a justice on the highest appellate court in Massachusetts, Greaney authored numerous significant opinions on issues ranging from complex corporate litigation in the Demoulas case to separation of powers and inherent judicial authority in the First Justice case and same-sex marriage in the Goodridge case.

Greaney served in the military and engaged in private practice before joining the judiciary in 1974, as the presiding judge of the Hampden County Housing Court. He later served as a justice the Massachusetts Superior Court and the Massachusetts Appeals Court. He was chief justice of the Massachusetts Appeals Court before his appointment to the Supreme Judicial Court.

Greaney has taught law at Western New England College Law School and Westfield State College; lectured and written extensively for continuing legal and judicial education programs; edited books on the law of Deceptive and Unfair Practices and Appellate Practice and Procedure; and co-authored books on Civil Jury Instructions and Summary Judgment.

Greaney received his B.A. with honors in 1960 from the College of the Holy Cross, and his J.D. in 1963 from New York University School of Law, where he was a Root-Tilden scholar and chairperson of the Annual Survey of American Law. He has received the Robert B. MacKay and Public Service Awards from N.Y.U. School of Law, the Haskell Cohn Distinguished Judicial Service Award from the Boston Bar Association, Western New England College's Presidential Medallion, and the Massachusetts Judges Conference President's Award for Judicial Excellence.

“Justice Greaney brings inspired ideas, broad experience and a special brand of wisdom to Suffolk Law School,” said Macaronis. “We look forward to seeing this highly regarded jurist steer the Macaronis Institute as it continues to offer valuable learning experiences to attorneys and students.”

July 31, 2008 -- Ford Hall Forum in New Partnership with Suffolk University: Fall Lecture Series Kicks Off with Wikipedia Founder Jimmy Wales

BOSTON – Ford Hall Forum celebrates its centennial this year, returning to its roots on Beacon Hill in a new partnership with Suffolk University.

The fall season will commence in September with “Free Speech, Free Minds, Free Markets: Competition and Collaboration,” a presentation by Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales and journalist Christopher Lydon, who will discuss where “Web 2.0” will take us next.

The nation’s oldest free public lecture series began in 1908 as a series of Sunday-evening public meetings at Ford Hall on Beacon Hill. The Forum is now housed in Suffolk University’s Fenton Building – a block away from where prominent Boston businessman George W. Coleman hosted the initial lectures 100 years ago – and many of this year’s lectures will be held at the University’s C. Walsh Theatre.

Coleman’s unique format, which provided equal time for speakers’ remarks and questions from the audience, gave any interested citizen the opportunity to debate issues with some of the most influential figures of the day. According to Coleman’s vision, the lecture series would enable the “full, free and open discussion of all vital questions affecting human welfare.”

Since Coleman’s time, the Forum has gone on to host discussions with the most intriguing figures in our nation’s modern history, including Louis Brandeis, W.E.B. DuBois, Al Gore, Maya Angelou, Garrison Keillor, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Henry Kissinger, Ayn Rand, Eleanor Roosevelt, Cokie Roberts and Malcolm X.

While the original hall no longer exists, the Forum’s public conversations have continued throughout the Greater Boston area with the generous support of foundations, corporations, academic institutions and individuals.

Suffolk University is providing the Forum with the opportunity to “come home” not only to Beacon Hill but also into an academic environment that shares a similar spirit and history of public education and civic dialogue.

“Both organizations were born in the progressive era, and both have a commitment to free speech and interactive learning,” said Dean Kenneth S. Greenberg of the University’s College of Arts and Sciences. “We are eager for our community to engage in the excitement of live public discourse that is the heart of the Ford Hall Forum events.”

The Ford Hall Forum has an intriguing program series scheduled for fall 2008. All lectures take place from 6:30-8 p.m.

JIMMY WALES with CHRISTOPHER LYDON
“Free Speech, Free Minds, Free Markets: Competition and Collaboration”
Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008, C. Walsh Theater, Suffolk University
THOMAS S. BLANTON with ALASDAIR ROBERTS
“Secrecy in the United States: Priorities for the Next President”
Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008, C. Walsh Theater, Suffolk University
In collaboration with the Rappaport Center for Law and Public Service
LAURENCE H. TRIBE
“The Invisible Constitution”
Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008
Moot Court Room, Suffolk University Law School
Book signing will follow lecture and discussion.
Receive a free copy of the U.S. Constitution at the door.
JON KELLER with JEFF JACOBY
“The Bluest State: How Democrats Created the Massachusetts Blueprint for American Political Disaster”
Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008
C. Walsh Theater at Suffolk University
Book signing will follow lecture and discussion.
DOUGLAS J. FEITH
“War and Decision: Inside the Pentagon at the Dawn of the War on Terrorism”
Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008
Old South Meeting House
Book signing will follow lecture and discussion.
This program is presented in collaboration with the Old South Meeting House as part of the Partners in Public Dialogue Series.
JAMES CARROLL
“Constantine's Sword”
Thursday, Oct. 30. 2008
C. Walsh Theater, Suffolk University
The Frederic G. Corneel Memorial Lecture
GARY HIRSHBERG with NANCY F. KOEHN
“Stirring it Up: How to Make Money and Save the World”
Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008
C. Walsh Theater, Suffolk University
Book signing will follow lecture and discussion.
ELECTION 2008: REVIEW AND FORECAST
Panel discussion. Speakers to be determined.
Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008
Old South Meeting House
This program is presented in collaboration with the Old South Meeting House as part of the Partners in Public Dialogue Series.

For more information on the history of the Ford Hall Forum, visit www.fordhallforum.org, or contact Alex Minier at 617-557-2007.

Aug. 4, 2008 -- Obama Lead Eroding in Massachusetts: 7NEWS/Suffolk University Poll Shows Obama ahead by 9 Percent

BOSTON – Democrat Barack Obama (47 percent) leads Republican John McCain (38 percent) by 9 percent among Massachusetts voters, according to a poll released today by 7NEWS/Suffolk University. Green Party nominee Cynthia McKinney and Libertarian Party nominee Bob Barr each polled 1 percent, while 13 percent of voters surveyed were undecided.

The poll sharply contrasts with a June 7NEWS/Suffolk University poll, which showed Obama with a 23-point lead, 53 percent to 30 percent.

"Barack Obama's campaign has hit a soft patch this summer," said David Paleologos, director of the Political Research Center at Suffolk University in Boston. "With November just three months off, it still appears an Obama outcome in Massachusetts is not in question, but the margin certainly is."

The biggest McCain gains came among Western Massachusetts voters, men, middle-aged voters and independents, as follows:

Category	June	August	Change
W. Mass.	Obama by 20	McCain by 13	Obama -33
Men	Obama by 22	McCain by 6	Obama -28
Ages 46-55	Obama by 25	Obama by 2	Obama -23
Independents	Obama by 15	Obama by 1	Obama -14

"These were the four demographics that shifted the most. Obama held every other demographic category quite competitively."

Obama continues to win the perception game by a wide margin. When asked who would be the next president, regardless of their personal preference, 54 percent of voters polled said Obama, 30 percent said McCain, and 17 percent were undecided, almost exactly mirroring the June survey.

Voters disagreed with the suggestion that Obama is arrogant and was premature in taking a trip overseas to Afghanistan and the Middle East. While 32 percent said that the recent trip was premature and showed arrogance, 62 percent said the trip was necessary for Obama to learn about problems in other countries and to familiarize himself with foreign leaders. Even among the four shifting demographics (Western Massachusetts voters, men, ages 46-55 years and independents), Obama overwhelmingly carried the day in each demographic on this question.

The 7NEWS/Suffolk University poll was conducted Thursday, July 31, 2008, through Sunday, August 3, 2008. The margin of error on the study of 400 is +/- 4.90 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. All respondents from the statewide survey were registered voters form all parties in Massachusetts. Marginals and cross-tabulation data will be posted on the Suffolk University Political Research Center Web site – www.suffolk.edu/college/1450.html -- on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008. Selected questions have been embargoed for a 7NEWS broadcast airing on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008. The complete set of marginals and the 328-page cross-tabulation report will be available on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008. For more information, contact David Paleologos at 781-290-9310.

Aug. 6, 2008 -- 7NEWS/Suffolk University Poll: Mass. Voters Support Governor on Issues: Extending Same-Sex Marriage, Luring Moviemakers & Promoting Casino Gambling

BOSTON – Massachusetts voters support Gov. Deval Patrick on issues such as casino gambling, encouraging in-state movie productions and extending same-sex marriage rights, and they will vote for Barack Obama and John Kerry, according to a poll released today by 7NEWS/Suffolk University.

Fifty-nine percent of those polled supported casino gambling, which Patrick proposed but the Legislature rejected. Twenty-nine percent of the registered voters polled opposed. This compares to the August 2006 7NEWS/Suffolk University survey, which found that 51 percent supported casino gambling and 42 percent opposed.

Sixty-three percent of those polled said that the new Massachusetts tax credit for filmmakers is a good idea because it creates jobs and brings new money to Massachusetts. Twenty-two percent said that the tax credit is bad policy because it costs the state too much money.

And, in the wake of Massachusetts’ lifting a restriction on marriages of same-sex couples from out of state, 59 percent said those couples should be allowed to legally marry in Massachusetts even if their home state prohibits gay marriage, while 37 percent said that gay couples should not be allowed to marry in Massachusetts if their home states do not allow it.

"It looks like two thumbs up for marriage and movies," said David Paleologos, director of the Political Research Center at Suffolk University in Boston. "However, the third act of casinos has yet to be played out."
However, the voters hold a grim view of economic issues. Forty-six percent expect the economy to get worse next year, while 38 percent said it will improve. Separately, 35 percent of respondents said Massachusetts is going in the right direction, while 49 percent said it is on the wrong track.

A majority (62 percent-36 percent) of voters said that they have driven fewer miles per week over the summer to adjust for the increase in the price of gas. This compares to the August 2006 survey, when the price of gas was $3 per gallon, when 42 percent said they were curtailing miles driven and 55 percent said they were not.

Worries about airport security and terrorism are declining. Voters said that Logan was a safe and secure airport by a 75 percent-15 percent margin, compared to 59 percent-32 percent in August 2006. They said they believe there will be no terrorist attack on U.S. soil in the next year by a 62 percent-22 percent margin. These numbers show a reversal from 2006, when 66 percent said there would be an attack, and 23 percent said there would be no attack.
Barack Obama led John McCain 47 percent to 38 percent, while Green party candidate Cynthia McKinney and Libertarian Bob Barr garnered 1 percent each. Thirteen percent were undecided. U.S. Sen. John Kerry, who faces opponents in both the Democratic Primary and General Election, led Democrat Ed O'Reilly 64 percent to 20 percent in the Primary and Republican Jeffrey Beatty 51 percent to 29 percent in a head-to-head race.

The most popular statewide figures in Massachusetts are U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, 62 percent favorable-29 percent unfavorable; Gov. Patrick, 51 percent favorable-36 percent unfavorable; and Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, 49 percent favorable-18 percent unfavorable.

Finally, 72 percent of respondents said the Red Sox did the right thing by trading left-fielder Manny Ramirez. Only 15 percent opposed the front office decision, while 14 percent were undecided.

The 7NEWS/Suffolk University poll was conducted Thursday, July 31, 2008, through Sunday, August 3, 2008. The margin of error on the study of 400 is +/- 4.90 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. All respondents from the statewide survey were registered voters in Massachusetts. Marginals and 186 pages of cross-tabulation data will be posted on the Suffolk University Political Research Center Web site – www.suffolk.edu/college/1450.html -- on August 6, 2008. Additional questions are embargoed for broadcast on Aug. 13, 2008. For more information, contact David Paleologos at 781-290-9310.

Aug. 6, 2008 -- Suffolk University Names Two to Leadership Positions: Barry Brown Becomes Provost; Janice Griffith Is VP of Academic Affairs

BOSTON – Longtime Law School faculty member Barry Brown has been named provost of Suffolk University, and Janice C. Griffith, former dean of Georgia State University College of Law, has been selected as vice president for Academic Affairs.

The additions to the leadership team were announced by Suffolk University President David J. Sargent and will take effect immediately.

“We are very excited that these two distinguished educators will be contributing their unique talents to the University’s academic environment during this time of programmatic growth both here at our Boston campus and abroad,” said Sargent.

“Barry Brown has been a superb teacher and has created exceptional programming as director of the Law School’s concentration in health and biomedical law,” he said. “And Dean Griffith, in emphasizing contributions to public policy as she led Georgia State University College of Law, has shown an intrinsic understanding of the Suffolk University spirit of service.”

Brown joined Suffolk University Law School in 1976 and has taught Property, Land Transfer and Finance, Professional Responsibility, and Biomedical Law and Public Policy.

He began his legal career with Goulston and Storrs, Boston, then served as first assistant bar counsel and counsel to the Clients’ Security Board and as prosecutor for the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers in a number of important cases, including the reinstatement of Alger Hiss.

He is widely published and wrote one of the first legal works on condominium law in the nation and one of the first articles concerning property interests in genetic engineering, published by the Stanford Journal of Law and Public Policy. He also founded and is the faculty adviser to Journal of Health and Biomedical Law.

Brown holds an A.B from Harvard College, an Ed.M. from Harvard School of Education and a J.D. from Harvard Law School.

“Suffolk University has been my academic home for many years, and I am proud to have the opportunity to work more closely with President Sargent and my colleagues in the College of Arts and Sciences, Sawyer Business School and Law School. Together we will join the many currents of the University’s three academic units for the benefit of our students,” said Brown. “We have the hope of creating true educational and economic opportunities for our graduates and preparing them for an increasingly complex and internationalized world.”

Griffith’s legal expertise is focused on state and local government law, regionalism and metropolitan growth issues. She became interested in higher education administration during a year as an American Council on Education fellow at Ohio State University.

As dean at Georgia State University College of Law, she oversaw the development of partnerships with other institutions and the creation of two interdisciplinary centers, one for the Comparative Study of Metropolitan Growth and the other for Health Law community partnerships. She also established three new joint degree programs focused on connecting legal studies with Philosophy, Health Administration, and City and Regional Planning.

Griffith holds a B.A. from Colby College and a J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School.

“Suffolk’s mission of creating opportunities for students and access to excellence resonates with me,” said Griffith. “I firmly believe in the university’s focus on quality teaching and strong faculty/student interactions. Nothing is more important than teaching students the communication, analytical and interpersonal skills they will need to become effective leaders in our 21st century global society.”

Aug. 13, 2008 -- Voters Say Yes to Decriminalizing Marijuana: 7NEWS/Suffolk University Poll Also Shows Romney Hurts McCain in Mass.

BOSTON – Of the three questions on the Massachusetts ballot this November, only one question -- #2 the decriminalization of marijuana -- appears all but certain to pass, according to a poll analysis released today by 7NEWS/Suffolk University. Seventy-two percent favored the proposed law, which would replace the criminal penalties for possession of up to one ounce of marijuana to a civil penalty of forfeiture of the marijuana and a fine of $100. Twenty-two percent opposed the proposed law.

"The public may be signaling that pursuing small-time marijuana users is a waste of taxpayer resources," said David Paleologos, director of the Political Research Center at Suffolk University. "This issue suggests that there is a Libertarian streak in the thinking of Massachusetts voters."

Question #1, which would reduce and ultimately eliminate the state income tax, was opposed 50 percent to 36 percent, with 15 percent undecided.

"Voters considering the no-tax scenario seem to be aware of their New Hampshire neighbors' contending with high property taxes to fund programs," said Paleologos. "They appear reluctant to eliminate the income tax and risk paying more with some other tax."

Question #3, which would, beginning in 2010, prohibit any type of dog racing in Massachusetts that entailed wagering on the speed or ability of the dog, won support from 50 percent, while 37 percent opposed, and 13 percent were undecided.

On the national front, if John McCain were to select former Gov. Mitt Romney as his running mate, it could be the kiss of death for McCain in Massachusetts. When asked if voters would be more or less likely to vote for the Republican ticket if Romney were the vice presidential candidate, 33 percent said more likely, while 41 percent said less likely, and 24 percent indicated no difference. Romney's presence on the ticket moved voters positively in Western Massachusetts, while voters in every other region of the state said they would be less likely to vote for McCain.

The 7NEWS/Suffolk University poll was conducted Thursday, July 31, 2008, through Sunday, August 3, 2008. The margin of error on the study of 400 is +/- 4.9 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. All respondents from the statewide survey were registered voters form all parties in Massachusetts. Marginals and cross-tabulation data will be posted on the Suffolk University Political Research Center Web site – www.suffolk.edu/college/1450.html -- on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008. The complete set of marginals and the 328-page cross-tabulation report will be available at noon Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008. For more information, contact David Paleologos at 781-290-9310.

Aug. 25, 2008 -- Obama Leads McCain by 5 Percent in Colorado: Suffolk University Poll Also Shows Obama Stronger Against McCain Than Clinton

BOSTON - As the Democratic National Convention opens today in Denver, voters in the swing state of Colorado are giving the newly minted ticket of Barack Obama and Joe Biden a 5 point lead (44-39) over presumptive Republican nominee John McCain of Arizona – suggesting Colorado may be rocky territory for the once dominant GOP, according to a poll released today by Suffolk University.

"With Colorado among at least seven battleground states that will swing this Presidential election, an Obama lead here puts enormous pressure on John McCain," said David Paleologos, director of the Political Research Center at Suffolk University in Boston. "Should Obama go on to win Colorado, it would almost force McCain to run the table with the remaining battleground states or lose the election."

Libertarian Party nominee Bob Barr and Independent Ralph Nader each polled 2 percent, while 12 percent of voters surveyed were undecided. There are 15 candidates for president listed on the Colorado ballot.

Most Democratic respondents gave Obama high marks in the expectations game. Some 78 percent of Democratic respondents said the Obama campaign had met or exceeded expectations while just 16 percent said the campaign had not met expectations. In addition, only 19 percent of likely Democratic voters thought that Obama, by picking a male running mate, would have a problem with women voters. By contrast, 70 percent said that it would not be a problem.

Exactly 71 percent of Democratic respondents were happy with Joe Biden as the VP pick while 11 percent wanted someone else. (The Biden questions were only asked of respondents in two of the four field days).

When all voters were asked who would be the stronger candidate against John McCain - Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton - 60 percent indicated Obama; 28 percent said Clinton; and 10 percent were undecided.

“The notion and significance of Democrats irreparably disaffected by the tough primary fight between Obama and New York Senator Hillary Clinton seems to be more of an obsession with the Beltway chattering classes than with the electorate,” Paleologos said.

Obama widely won the perception game, as well. When asked who would be the next president, regardless of their personal preference, 52 percent of voters polled said Barack Obama, 28 percent said John McCain, and 19 percent were undecided.

The Obama 5 percent lead over McCain included an 8 percent lead in the initial ballot test and, when undecided respondents were asked who they were leaning toward, McCain closed the gap among "leaners" to 5 percent.

In the fight for the U.S. Senate seat this November, Democrat Mark Udall (39 percent) led Republican Bob Schaffer (31 percent), American Constitution Party Douglas "Dayhorse" Campbell (4 percent), and Green Party Robert Kinsey (2 percent). There were 22 percent undecided for U.S. Senate.

The bellwether of Alamosa County showed Obama (40 percent) leading McCain (36 percent) with Barr and Nader each receiving 1 percent while 16 percent were undecided and 6 percent refused. In 2008, Suffolk University bellwethers were 95 percent accurate in predicting straight-up winners in both Democratic and Republican primaries, and, when coupled with the sister statewide Suffolk polls of the respective states, were 100 percent accurate in predicting straight-up winners.

The Suffolk University poll was conducted Thursday, August 21, 2008, through Sunday, August 24, 2008. The margin of error on the study of 450 is +/- 4.6 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. All respondents from the Colorado statewide survey were likely voters from all parties in Colorado. Separate from the statewide poll there were 300 respondents from Alamosa County, Colo. Marginals and 186 pages of cross-tabulation data will be posted on the Suffolk University Political Research Center Web site on Monday, Aug. 25, 2008. For more information, contact David Paleologos at 781-290-9310.

Sept. 15, 2008 -- Trust Driving 4 Percent McCain Lead in Buckeye State: Suffolk University Poll Shows Ohioans Identify with Palin

BOSTON – With just 51 days remaining in the 2008 Presidential campaign, the Republican ticket of John McCain and Sarah Palin holds a 4-point lead in the key state of Ohio, according to a poll released today by Suffolk University. McCain-Palin led the Democratic ticket of Barack Obama-Joe Biden 46 percent to 42 percent.

More respondents identify with Sarah Palin than with the other candidates. Asked which of the four candidates is “most like you,” 31 percent said Palin, followed by Obama (22 percent), McCain (21 percent), and Biden (13 percent). In addition, 38 percent of respondents felt Palin has been treated harshly by the media, while 23 percent said she has been treated fairly. Among the self-described independent voters of Ohio, 42 percent said Palin was treated harshly, while 6 percent indicated fairly.

When asked which candidate they trusted more -- Obama or McCain -- respondents chose McCain over Obama, 49 percent to 41 percent. They also said they believe McCain is more likely to fulfill his pledge to lower taxes than Obama (41 percent to 31 percent).

"McCain is benefiting from Palin identification and empathy as well as a greater sense of Buckeye voter trust," said David Paleologos, director of the Political Research Center at Suffolk University in Boston. "However, should the trust firewall in Ohio break down, it could signal the beginning of an electoral blue domino effect there."

Ohio politics is divided sharply by region. In the northeast region McCain dominated Obama, 59 percent to 32 percent, while Obama crushed McCain in Cuyahoga County, 54 percent to 28 percent. Obama's slight lead in the Cincinnati/Dayton region was more than offset by the McCain lead in the Columbus/southeast region. The two candidates were virtually tied in the Toledo/northwest region of the state.

Obama showed other strengths in the poll. More respondents believe Obama (40 percent) understands and cares about their problems. McCain and Palin (22 percent each) trailed, with Biden receiving 4 percent. And when asked which of the two presidential candidates has the best plan to bring jobs to Ohio, Obama led McCain 40 percent to 29 percent, with 19 percent undecided and 11 percent saying “neither.”

The top issues on the minds of Ohio voters were economy/jobs (38 percent), Iraq War (14 percent), health care (13 percent), moral values (10 percent), taxes (9 percent) and terrorism (8 percent).

There are seven candidates for president on the Ohio ballot, and a small but significant number of votes were siphoned off by third-party candidates. Libertarian Bob Barr, the Green Party’s Cynthia McKinney and independent Ralph Nader each polled 1 percent, while 7 percent were undecided.

"In a state this close, every point counts. Neither Obama nor McCain wants third-party candidates -- who may never share the presidential debate stage -- to determine their fate in Ohio by virtue of their names listed on the ballot," said Paleologos.

The Ohio bellwether of Perry County showed McCain (42 percent) edging Obama (41 percent), with Nader receiving 2 percent and Barr and McKinney each receiving 1 percent, while 10 percent were undecided, and 3 percent refused a response.

In 2008, Suffolk University bellwethers were 95 percent accurate in predicting straight-up winners in both Democratic and Republican primaries, and, when in agreement with the statewide Suffolk polls, were 100 percent accurate in predicting straight-up winners.

The Suffolk University poll was conducted Wednesday Sept. 10, 2008, through Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008. The margin of error on the study of 600 is +/- 4 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. All respondents from the Ohio statewide survey were likely voters. There were 300 respondents from the bellwether of Perry County, Ohio, identified separately from the statewide poll. Marginals will be posted on the Suffolk University Political Research Center Web site – www.suffolk.edu/college/1450.html -- on Monday, Sept. 15, 2008. The 195 pages of cross-tabulation data will be posted on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008. For more information, contact David Paleologos at 781-290-9310.

Sept. 22, 2008 -- Dead Heat in Silver State Showdown: Suffolk University Poll Shows Nevada Voters Blaming GOP for Wall Street Meltdown

BOSTON – As the two major presidential candidates prepare to debate Friday night, John McCain (45.8 percent) and Barack Obama (45.3 percent) are in a virtual dead heat, with McCain leading by the slightest of margins among likely voters in the state of Nevada, according to a poll released today by Suffolk University.

“What happens in Vegas may not stay in Vegas, because if Barack Obama tips the historically Republican Silver State his way, it may be indicative of a Democratic run from coast to coast among the battleground states,” said David Paleologos, director of the Political Research Center at Suffolk University in Boston.

Nevada has voted Republican in eight of the last 10 presidential elections, dating back to 1968.

The recent Wall Street turmoil has not helped matters for the Republican Party. When likely voters were asked which political party -- if any -- deserved blame for the roiling economy, 41 percent blamed the Republicans; 16 percent blamed Democrats; 27 percent said neither; and 16 percent were undecided.

“Up to now, John McCain has marketed himself as a maverick reformer. But he may well have to reinvent himself as a regulator if he wants to avoid the wrath of Nevada voters, who lay most of the blame for the mess in the financial markets on the Republican Party’s failure to play watchdog to Wall Street’s high rollers,” said Paleologos.

Respondents said they trust Obama more than McCain, 46 percent to 45 percent. This contrasts sharply to the 49 percent - 41 percent trust advantage that McCain enjoyed in a Suffolk University Ohio poll a week ago.

Obama showed other strengths in the poll. More respondents believe Obama (40 percent) understands and cares about their problems. McCain (23 percent) and Sarah Palin (18 percent) trailed, with Joe Biden receiving only 6 percent.

A small but significant number of voters said they support third-party candidates, with Libertarian Bob Barr the choice of 1 percent of voters polled and independent Ralph Nader, 2 percent.

The top issues on the minds of Nevada presidential voters were economy/jobs (47 percent), Iraq War (11 percent), terrorism (9 percent), moral values (9 percent), health care (8 percent), and taxes (6 percent).

The Nevada bellwether of Washoe County showed Obama (42 percent) leading McCain (38 percent), with Nader and Barr each receiving 1 percent and 15 percent undecided.

In 2008, Suffolk University bellwethers were 95 percent accurate in predicting straight-up winners in both Democratic and Republican primaries, and, when in agreement with the statewide Suffolk polls of the respective states, were 100 percent accurate in predicting straight-up winners.

The Suffolk University poll was conducted Wednesday September 17, 2008, through Sunday, September 21, 2008. The margin of error on the study of 600 is +/- 4 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. All respondents from the Nevada statewide survey were likely voters. There were 300 respondents bellwether of Washoe County, Nev., identified separately from the statewide poll. Marginals will be posted on the Suffolk University Political Research Center Web site – www.suffolk.edu/college/1450.html -- on Monday, Sept. 22, 2008. There will be 198 pages of cross-tabulation data posted on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. For more information, contact David Paleologos at 781-290-9310.

Sept. 25, 2008 -- Obama & McCain Neck and Neck in Granite State: Suffolk University/7News Poll Shows NH Voters Blame GOP for Wall Street Meltdown

BOSTON – Barack Obama continues to be competitive in states that tend to vote Republican, according to a new Suffolk University/7News poll released today. Obama (46 percent) leads John McCain (45 percent) in a tight race.

“Barack Obama continues to show strength in states that historically vote Republican for president,” said David Paleologos, director of the Political Research Center at Suffolk University in Boston. “He appears to be benefiting from the Wall Street meltdown."

Meanwhile, in the race for New Hampshire governor, Democrat John Lynch was way out in front of Republican Joe Kenney, 61 percent to 16 percent. In the U.S. Senate race, Democrat Jeanne Shaheen narrowly led Republican Sen. John Sununu, 41 percent to 40 percent, with Libertarian Ken Blevens securing 3 percent, 13 percent undecided and 4 percent refusing to answer.

New Hampshire has voted Republican in eight of the last 12 presidential elections, dating back to 1960.

The recent turmoil in the financial markets has not helped the Republican Party. When likely voters were asked which political party, if any, deserved blame for the roiling economy, 36 percent blamed the Republicans; 14 percent blamed the Democrats; 34 percent said neither; and 15 percent were undecided.

When asked to consider media treatment of Sarah Palin, more likely New Hampshire voters said they believed the Republican vice presidential nominee is being treated harshly (37 percent) than fairly (29 percent). However, in a separate question, a majority (51 percent) said she was not qualified to step in as president, while 43 percent said she was qualified.

“You have a unique mix of empathy and doubt regarding Sarah Palin,” said Paleologos. “Most voters agree with the implication that she is not qualified to step in as president, yet they don’t condone the tone of news reporting.”

Respondents said they trust McCain over Obama, 45 percent to 43 percent. But when respondents were asked who they thought would be the next president, Obama led 47 percent to 37 percent.

Granite state voters said they believed, by a 65 percent-to-22 percent margin that New Hampshire will retain its first-in-the-nation Presidential Primary status in the year 2012.

The New Hampshire bellwether towns of Epping and Tamworth showed Obama (44 percent) leading McCain (38 percent). Green Party nominee Cynthia McKinney registered 2 percent, with 12 percent undecided and 4 percent refusing to respond.

The Suffolk University/7News poll was conducted Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008, through Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008. The margin of error on the study of 600 is +/- 4 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. All respondents from the New Hampshire statewide survey were likely voters. There were 221 respondents from the bellwethers of Epping and Tamworth, NH, identified separately from the statewide poll. Marginals will be posted on the Suffolk University Political Research Center Web site – www.suffolk.edu/college/1450.html -- at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008. There will be 216 pages of cross-tabulation data posted on Friday, Sept. 26, 2008. For more information, contact David Paleologos at 781-290-9310.

Oct. 1, 2008 -- Obama Leading in Tight Sunshine State Contest: Suffolk University Poll Shows Florida Voters Blame GOP for Weak Economy

BOSTON – While Congress grapples with a $700 billion dollar financial backstop package to salvage the credit markets, Democrat Barack Obama (46 percent) leads Republican John McCain (42 percent), in the state of Florida, according to a Suffolk University/WSVN-7News Miami poll released today.

“There is an inverse relationship between the financial health and well being of the United States and Barack Obama's political campaign,” said David Paleologos, director of the Political Research Center at Suffolk University in Boston. "Like a see-saw, the lower the economy goes, the higher Obama's poll numbers. Ultimately, If Florida votes Obama, the rest of the battleground states may not matter."

Comparable polls over the past week have shown the Florida race deadlocked.

The recent Wall Street turmoil has not reflected well on the Republican Party. When likely voters were asked which political party -- if any -- deserved blame for the economic downturn, 39 percent blamed the Republicans; 19 percent blamed Democrats; 24 percent said neither; and 17 percent were undecided.

Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin shows only a minimal added benefit to the Republican ticket, while expectations for her performance in tomorrow night's debate are quite low. Forty percent of respondents said that her presence on the ticket made them more likely to vote for McCain; 36 percent less likely; and 22 percent weren't sure.

Forty-six percent said they expected Democrat Joe Biden to win the vice presidential debate, while 31 percent picked Palin, and 17 percent were undecided.

“The “Biden bar” is quite high in terms of the voter expectation level leading up to his debate performance,” said Paleologos. “If Palin were competitive in the debate, or if she were to be perceived as winning, her success could benefit the top of the GOP ticket.”

Eighty percent of all Florida likely voters said they planned to watch the debate, and 74 percent said that this debate would be very important or somewhat important in determining whom they will vote for.

Respondents said they trust Obama more than McCain by the slimmest of margins, 45 percent to 44 percent. This is consistent with the 7NEWS (WHDH-TV, Boston)/Suffolk University poll of likely New Hampshire voters released last week.

Of the four presidential and vice-presidential candidates, more voters identified with Obama: 32 percent chose him when asked which candidate was “most like you,” compared to 23 percent who chose McCain. Obama also led McCain 42 percent to 32 percent when respondents were asked which of the four cares about the problems of people “like you.”

A number of voters said they support third-party candidates, with Libertarian Bob Barr the choice of 2 percent of voters polled and Green Party Cynthia McKinney and Ecology Party Ralph Nader each receiving 1 percent.

The top issues for Florida voters were economy/jobs (43 percent), moral values (10 percent), health care (9 percent), Iraq War (9 percent), terrorism (8 percent), and taxes (7 percent).

The Florida bellwethers of Hillsborough & Monroe counties showed Obama leading McCain comfortably, 46 percent to 38 percent. Bellwether IDs are designed to predict outcomes -- not margins -- and to supplement the Suffolk University statewide polls.

In 2008, Suffolk University bellwethers were 95 percent accurate in predicting winners in both Democratic and Republican primaries and, when in agreement with the statewide Suffolk polls of the respective states, were 100 percent accurate in predicting winners.

The Suffolk University poll was conducted Saturday Sept. 27, 2008, through Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008. The margin of error on the study of 600 is +/- 4 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. All respondents from the Florida statewide survey were likely voters. There were 300 respondents each from the bellwethers of Hillsborough and Monroe counties, identified separately from the statewide poll. Marginals and 180 pages of cross-tabulation data will be posted on the Suffolk University Political Research Center Web site – www.suffolk.edu/college/1450.html -- on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008. For more information, contact David Paleologos at 781-290-9310.

Oct. 9, 2008 -- Armour Joins Suffolk Law as Director of Employer Relations

BOSTON -- Elizabeth Armour has been appointed to the newly-created position of director of employer relations at Suffolk University Law School.

Armour brings to Suffolk Law an extensive background in law school graduate employment. She served as director of career development at Boston University School of Law and was director of legal recruiting at Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge. She held similar positions at Foley Hoag; Goldstein & Manello; and Mudge Rose Guthrie Alexander & Ferdon in New York and consulted in the legal recruiting department of Brown Rudnick.

She currently serves on a national task force for the National Association for Law Placement (NALP), the premier, legal recruitment association. Armour is a former president of NALP and twice served on its board of directors. She also served on the executive board of the Student Services Section of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) and is a frequent speaker at NALP, AALS and American Bar Association conferences. Armour is a past president of the Massachusetts Legal Recruitment Association and an active member of the Boston Lawyers Group, which supports minority lawyer hiring in the Boston legal community.

"Elizabeth Armour brings a wealth of experience to our Law School," said Alfred C. Aman, dean of Suffolk University Law School. "Her role as director of employer relations in the Career Development Office will help open new employment opportunities and markets for our students and alumni throughout the country."

Mary Karen Rogers, executive director of Suffolk Law's Career Development Office, added, "Engaging such a high-level, dedicated professional in this role in a law school's career office is rare and cutting-edge. Ms. Armour will serve as a catalyst for Suffolk Law to expand our national platform in the legal profession."

Oct. 15, 2008 -- Landmarks Commission OKs Demolition of Former MDC Offices: To Be Site of New Suffolk University Academic/Art School Building

BOSTON – The Boston Landmarks Commission last night authorized the demolition of the 76-year-old Massachusetts District Commission headquarters, removing a key hurdle to Suffolk University’s plan for a state-of-the-art academic building and art school at the 20 Somerset St. site.

With a unanimous vote, the Landmarks Commission waived a 90-day demolition-delay period after Suffolk University said it would agree to certain conditions. Those conditions include an agreement to commemorate the Metropolitan District Commission, both inside the new building and on the adjacent Roemer Plaza.

"This is an extremely important step for this project,” said John Nucci, Suffolk’s vice president for External Affairs. “The Landmarks Commission took great pains to ensure that the MDC's significance is properly remembered, while at the same time paving the way for what promises to be one of the city's most dramatic and exciting new buildings.”

The Landmarks Commission agreed with Suffolk University and the non-profit Boston Preservation Alliance by recognizing that the building’s primary significance is its association with the MDC for more than 75 years, rather than its architecture.

Various commissioners described the University’s proposed building as “a great step forward” with a “phenomenal exterior interpretation” and said it will “transform all of Somerset Street and give it character.”

Commissioners also suggested that recognizing the accomplishments of the MDC on Roemer Plaza would provide the best tribute to the commission, which played a key role in conserving and protecting thousands of acres of parkland in and around Boston.

From its 19th century origins as the Metropolitan Parks Commission and Metropolitan Water District, the MDC helped to preserve Olmstead’s Emerald Necklace, the Blue Hills Reservation, the Charles River Esplanade, South Boston’s Castle Island and other jewels in the area. It also built the region’s historic scenic parkways and created public beaches, skating rinks, and parks and recreation spaces.

The MDC first occupied the 20 Somerset St. headquarters in 1932. That building has been abandoned since 2004, when the MDC merged with the Department of Environmental Management to form the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

The Landmarks Commission agreed that it would be unfeasible for Suffolk to reuse the MDC structure for reasons that include inadequate lateral bracing, damaged brick veneer that is pulling away from the building, and floor-to-floor building heights that preclude academic uses.

The Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services and City Councilor Michael Ross’s office both made statements to the Landmarks Commission in favor of waiving the 90-day demolition delay period. Ross’s office described the project as “a progressive step for the neighborhood and the community” and praised Suffolk’s exhaustive work with the community on the project.

"It's a victory for the neighborhood, the surrounding residents, businesses, workers and, most importantly, the young people at Suffolk University who will have yet another state-of -the-art learning facility,” Nucci said.

The project is subject BRA board approval and to Massachusetts Historical Commission jurisdiction.

Oct. 20, 2008 -- Obama Leads by 9 in Ohio, McCain Edges in Missouri; Suffolk University Poll Shows McCain Votes Driven by Factors External to the Candidate

BOSTON – With just over two weeks left before the presidential election, voters in the key state of Ohio are giving the Democratic ticket of Barack Obama and Joe Biden a 9-point lead (51 percent-42 percent) over the Republican ticket of John McCain and Sarah Palin, according to a poll released today by Suffolk University.

In Missouri, McCain led by 1 percent (45 percent to 44 percent) statewide. He also led the bellwether test of Platte County, Mo.

"If Ohio goes for Obama, it may be lights out for McCain,” said David Paleologos, director of the Political Research Center at Suffolk University in Boston. "At least today, the probability of an Ohio win is supported by the high-single-digit lead in the statewide poll coupled with the Perry County bellwether, which showed Obama leading by 4 percent.”

In 2008, Suffolk University bellwethers were 95 percent accurate in predicting straight-up winners in both Democratic and Republican primaries, and, when coupled with statewide Suffolk polls, were 100 percent accurate in predicting straight-up winners.

What drives McCain voters is not always the man himself, but other factors, such as a vote against Obama or support for Palin.

Obama voters were more excited by their candidate, but some were voting against President George W. Bush:

Factors	OH Voters for McCain - %	MO Voters for McCain - %
Vote for McCain	49	66
Vote for Palin	8	4
Vote against Obama	15	21
	OH Voters for Obama	MO Voters for Obama
Vote for Obama	71	73
Vote against McCain	10	6
Vote against Bush	12	14

"Obama's strength is two-fold: More people are driven to vote for Obama because of Obama; in addition, any anti-Obama McCain voters are offset by anti-Bush Obama voters who may not be motivated by Obama, but are motivated against George Bush," said Paleologos.

"Joe the Plumber," a spectator who asked a question at an Obama rally, dominated the last presidential debate and the media coverage thereafter. However, in both battleground states, the impact on the presidential race is minimal.

In Ohio, 68 percent of respondents said they recognized "Joe the Plumber," but only 6 percent said that Joe's story will make them more likely to vote McCain; 4 percent were more likely to vote for Obama; and 85 percent were not affected. A similar finding was recorded in Missouri, where 80 percent had heard of the presidential plumber; 8 percent were more likely to vote McCain; 3 percent more likely to vote Obama; and 86 percent not affected by his story.

The Suffolk University Ohio poll was conducted Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008, through Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008. The Missouri poll was conducted Friday, Oct. 17, 2008, through Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008. The margin of error on each study of 600 is +/- 4 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. All respondents from both surveys were likely voters from Ohio and Missouri.

Separate from the statewide poll, there were 312 respondents from the Ohio bellwether of Perry County and 204 respondents from the Missouri bellwether of Platte County. Both sets of statewide and bellwether marginals as well as cross-tabulation data from both states will be posted on the Suffolk University Political Research Center Web site – www.suffolk.edu/research/1450.html -- on Monday, Oct. 20, 2008. For more information, contact David Paleologos at 781-290-9310.

Oct. 23, 2008 -- Mass. Voters Say No to Tax Repeal, Yes to Pot, Maybe to Dogs; Suffolk University/7NEWS Poll Shows Voters Forecasting Higher Taxes

BOSTON – A majority of Massachusetts voters oppose Ballot Question #1, which would reduce and ultimately eliminate the state income tax, according to a new survey conducted by Suffolk University/7NEWS.

Fifty-nine percent would vote “no” on the measure, 26 percent favor it, and 14 percent were undecided. The opposition has grown dramatically since an August poll showed the “no” side prevailing by only 14 points, 50 percent to 36 percent.

"The recent television and radio ad buys from the "No on 1" campaign have made a significant impact on the electorate," said David Paleologos, director of the Political Research Center at Suffolk University. "The margin was much closer back in August when no ads were running."

Question #2 -- the decriminalization of marijuana -- earns 51 percent support, while 32 percent oppose it, and 16 percent were undecided. Although this question enjoys a 19 percent advantage, the lead has diminished significantly from the near-50 percent margin found in the August poll. Many district attorneys and law enforcement officials have mobilized behind the “no” side, closing the gap somewhat. The proposed law would replace the criminal penalties for possession of up to one ounce of marijuana to a civil penalty of forfeiture of the marijuana and a fine of $100.

"The ‘no’ side has gained momentum over the past two months,” said Paleologos. “The issue is whether the brass and blue will be able to move enough additional voters to their side in twelve days."

Question #3, which would, prohibit any type of dog racing in Massachusetts that entailed wagering on the speed or ability of the dog, won support from 44 percent of voters polled, while 43 percent opposed, and 13 percent were undecided.

"This question will literally come right down to the wire,” said Paleologos. “In August the anti-dog-racing side had the edge, but now it looks like we’re headed for a photo finish."

On the state budget front, voters are bracing for an increase in taxes to help solve the budget crisis. When voters were asked if they thought the state would have to raise taxes to deal with the fiscal problems, 59 percent said yes, 28 percent no, and 12 percent were undecided.

Although he is personally popular (57 percent favorable - 23 percent unfavorable), Gov. Deval Patrick was given an average rating for his performance during the budget crisis. Fifty-three percent graded him average, 18 percent below average, and 16 percent above average.

In the presidential race, Democrat Barack Obama enjoys a 19-point lead over Republican nominee John McCain in Massachusetts. Obama was the choice of 53 percent of respondents, while McCain secured 34 percent and independent Ralph Nader 3 percent. Constitution Party candidate Chuck Baldwin, Libertarian Bob Barr and Green Party candidate Cynthia McKinney each captured 1 percent. Seven percent were undecided.

In the U.S. Senate race, incumbent Democratic Sen. John Kerry (56 percent) is crushing Republican opponent Jeffrey Beatty (19 percent) and Libertarian Robert Underwood (6 percent), with 18 percent undecided.

The Suffolk University/7NEWS poll was conducted Monday, Oct. 20, 2008, through Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008. The margin of error on the study of 400 is +/- 4.9 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. All respondents from the statewide survey were registered voters form all parties in Massachusetts. Marginals and 135 pages of cross-tabulation data will be posted on the Suffolk University Political Research Center Web site – www.suffolk.edu/research/1450.html -- on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008. For more information, contact David Paleologos at 781-290-9310.

Oct. 28, 2008 -- Obama Surges to 10-Point Lead in Nevada; Suffolk University Poll Shows Majority Comfortable with Idea of Obama White House

BOSTON – Barack Obama has opened up a 10-point lead over John McCain among likely voters in the key battleground state of Nevada, according to a Suffolk University poll released today.

With just one week to go before the Nov. 4 election, Obama (50 percent) leads McCain (40 percent). The double-digit spread is a marked switch from just over a month ago, when a Suffolk University poll found a virtual dead heat between the two candidates in the Silver State. It’s the first Nevada poll this year to find a double-digit lead for Obama.

“Barack Obama seemingly has struck a chord with the independent spirit of the West.” said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center in Boston. “Some of the battleground states that were once solidly Republican are showing blue streaks as we get close to Election Day.”

A separate Suffolk University bellwether poll of Nevada’s Washoe County finds Obama leading McCain 45 percent to 41 percent.

In 2008, Suffolk University bellwethers were 95 percent accurate in predicting straight-up winners in both Democratic and Republican primaries, and, when in agreement with the statewide Suffolk polls of the respective states, were 100 percent accurate in predicting straight-up winners.

An overwhelming majority of likely Nevada voters responding to the poll (94 percent) have now made up their minds. Just 1 percent described themselves as undecided, and 5 percent said they may change how they will vote between now and election day.

The trust factor also has swung significantly in Obama’s direction. Asked which candidate they trust more, 50 percent of respondents said Obama, while 41 percent said McCain. A Suffolk poll released Sept. 22 found likely voters in Nevada trusted Obama over McCain by a much slimmer 46 percent-to-45 percent margin.

Nevadan voters have become comfortable with the idea of Obama as president, with 35 percent saying they’re extremely comfortable and another 16 percent describing themselves as very comfortable. Just 16 percent of respondents said they would be extremely comfortable with McCain in the White House, and 17 percent said they would be very comfortable.

The Suffolk University poll shows that Obama has won the perception game in Nevada. Regardless of how they’ll vote, 64 percent of respondents expect Obama will be the next president, with 24 percent saying they think McCain will win.

“The fact that an overwhelming majority of Nevadans expect Barack Obama will take the oath of office in January speaks volumes about how much the electoral map has expanded for the Democratic Party,” said Paleologos

Nevada has voted Republican in eight of the last 10 presidential elections, dating back to 1968.

Other candidates in the presidential race backed by Nevada’s likely voters include Bob Barr (2 percent); Cynthia McKinney (1 percent); and Ralph Nader (1 percent).

Among Nevada voters, Republicans are shouldering more of the blame for the recent turmoil in the banking and financial sectors. Thirty-four percent of respondents blame Republicans, while 23 percent blame Democrats, and 30 percent blame neither party.

The economy (41 percent) remains the most important issue among respondents, with taxes (12 percent) second and health care (11 percent) third.

Most likely voters (59 percent) said they weren’t bothered by the recent flap over vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin’s wardrobe. Thirty-seven percent said they were concerned that the Republican National Committee bought $150,000 worth of clothes and fashion accessories for her to wear. Still, 45 percent said that revelation will make them more likely to vote for the Obama-Biden ticket.

The Suffolk University poll was conducted Thursday Oct. 23 through Monday Oct. 27. The margin of error on the study of 450 is +/- 4.6 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. All respondents from the Nevada statewide survey were likely voters. There were 299 respondents in the bellwether of Washoe County, Nev., identified separately from the statewide poll. Marginals and 135 pages of cross-tabulation data will be posted on the Suffolk University Political Research Center Web site – www.suffolk.edu/research/1450.html – on Tuesday Oct. 28. For more information, contact David Paleologos at 781-290-9310.

Oct. 28, 2008 -- Photos from El Salvador Featured in "Connections" Exhibit

Adams Gallery at Suffolk University depicts contemporary scene & historical context

BOSTON – The culture and politics of today’s El Salvador are captured in photographs exhibited alongside a historical view of the Central American nation in Connections: Suffolk University Keeps Moakley Legacy Alive in El Salvador, at Suffolk University’s Adams Gallery Nov. 1, 2008, through Jan. 12, 2009

The exhibit presents a look at the ongoing relationship between Suffolk University and the Salvadoran people, part of the late Congressman John Joseph Moakley’s legacy to his alma mater.

Moakley played an important role in moving El Salvador beyond repression and rebellion to peace. In doing so, he forged a lasting relationship with the people of El Salvador.

The exhibit features photographs from Suffolk University service-learning efforts in Boston-area communities and in El Salvador.

Suffolk University students and faculty visit El Salvador annually, retracing Joe Moakley’s path from San Salvador to rural villages. Along the way they have met officials, former guerrillas and witnesses who assisted Moakley in the congressional investigation that helped pave the way to peace in El Salvador.

An encore showing of El Congresista: Joe Moakley en El Salvador complements the photo exhibit. This display of photos and documents drawn from the John Joseph Moakley Archive explores El Salvador, the civil war, and the conflict’s impact on the Salvadoran people.

Images available

Connections: Suffolk University Keeps Moakley Legacy Alive in El Salvador
Nov. 1, 2008, through Jan. 12, 2009
Adams Gallery, David J. Sargent Hall
Suffolk University Law School
120 Tremont St., Boston
Gallery hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily

Oct. 29, 2008 -- Suffolk Law School Hosts New International Competition for Law Students

Focus is Private Investment in Foreign Nations

BOSTON -- Law students from around the world will descend on Suffolk University Law School Nov. 1 to take part in a first-ever international moot court competition focused on the rapidly growing legal field of foreign direct investment.

There has been an explosion of disputes between private investors and foreign countries in recent years. Such disputes can involve hundreds of millions of dollars and raise challenging legal issues at the juncture of public and private international law. They’ve also sparked a growing area of practice for many law firms.

More than 20 law schools from around the world will send teams of students to Suffolk to compete in the inaugural Foreign Direct Investment International Moot Competition (FDI Moot). Teams will represent both investors and host countries in a hypothetical dispute concerning a large foreign investment.

The first FDI Moot has attracted teams from Australia, Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Georgia, Hong Kong, India, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia and the United States (there are eight teams from U.S. law schools).

The FDI Moot Competition was established by Suffolk Law School and four international co-founding institutions in response to the increasing pace of companies’ investments in the global economy.

Suffolk University Law School Professor Christopher Gibson, who has worked to establish the FDI Moot, said that those foreign investments have encouraged the rapid development of a new field of international law addressing a host countries’ obligation to foreign investors and establishing new arbitration procedures for resolving the related disputes that can arise.

“The FDI Moot promotes an understanding of international investment laws and arbitration as an effective mechanism for settling these investment disputes,” Gibson said. “The FDI Moot will provide students with valuable knowledge of the legal issues and first-hand experience while they act as advocates during the competition.”

Investor claims are being brought against many countries under relevant Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) that contain dispute settlement arbitration provisions. Examples of recent major investor-state cases brought by U.S. companies include:

Exxon Mobil Corp. brought an investor-state claim against Venezuela for alleged violations of the Bilateral Investment Treaty between Venezuela and the United States based on claims that Venezuela took over an Exxon oil field as part of the country’s nationalization drive. Exxon won a freeze on $12 billion in Venezuelan assets from an English court in February so that cash would be available if Exxon went on to win the investor-State arbitration. The English court lifted the freeze in May.
Occidental Petroleum Corp. is seeking more than $2 billion in damages against the Republic of Ecuador for alleged violations of the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). Occidental claims that actions by the Ecuadorian government violated the protective standards for foreign investors.
Continental Casualty Co., an Illinois company, was awarded $2.8 million Sept. 5 for a claim against Argentina. While two of Continental Casualty’s other claims were dismissed, it prevailed on a claim that Argentina violated the “fair and equitable treatment” provision of the BIT between the United States and Argentina.

FDI Moot Competition Partners

Suffolk University Law School is a co-founder of the FDI Moot Competition, along with the Center for International Legal Studies in Salzburg, Austria; Pepperdine University Law School in California; the University of Dundee in Scotland; and the German Institution of Arbitration Cologne, Germany.

The international law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is the exclusive law firm sponsor of the FDI Moot. The Competition’s prize is named the Skadden, Arps Trophy.

Oxford University Press will sponsor the Oxford University Press Award for Best Written Claimant and Respondent Memorials. Transnational Dispute Management will act as the FDI Moot’s media partner.

Symposium on Investor-State Arbitration

Suffolk Law School also will also host the lawyers, academics and students from around the world at a symposium, Investor-State Arbitration: Perspectives on Legitimacy and Practice, on Friday, Oct. 31, preceding the FDI Moot.

The event includes a lineup headlined by Judge Stephen Schwebel, former president of the International Court of Justice, and Professor Jose Alvarez of Columbia University Law School, former president of the American Society of International Law.

The symposium will give those gathered an opportunity to discuss the latest developments in international investment regulation and dispute resolution. It is co-sponsored by the American Society of International Law and the law firm of Dechert LLP. The papers from this conference will be published in a special symposium issue of Suffolk's Transnational Law Review.

Suffolk University Law School recognizes the importance of internationalization of legal education and offers a broad array of courses in international law as well as an International Law Concentration. Students may participate in international internships, and a summer program at the University of Lund in Sweden provides law students an opportunity to participate in comparative and international public and private law courses. Suffolk Law School offers an LL.M. in Global Technology and an L.L.M in U.S. Law for International Business Lawyers in cooperation with Hungary’s Eotvos Lorand University (ELTE) in Budapest.

Oct. 30, 2008 -- Obama Up by 13 in NH, with Strong Support from Women; Suffolk University/7News Poll Shows Women Voters Lifting Entire Democratic Slate

BOSTON – The latest Suffolk University/7News poll in the battleground state of New Hampshire finds that Barack Obama (53 percent) has surged to a 13-point lead over John McCain (40 percent), largely on the strength of support from women.

The same demographic that put Hillary Clinton over the top in her stunning New Hampshire primary victory last January is now squarely behind Obama, according to the poll, released today by Suffolk University and 7News (WHDH-TV) in Boston.

Obama and McCain are tied among men in the Granite State, both drawing 46 percent, the Suffolk/7News poll finds. But women are supporting Obama by a 60 percent-to-35 percent margin.

“If John McCain were hoping women would rally to help him steal a victory in New Hampshire, as they did for Hillary Clinton, those hopes may be dashed,” said David Paleologos, director of the Political Research Center at Suffolk University in Boston. “And these numbers suggest that Sarah Palin has done little to help the Republican ticket, particularly with women voters.”

In fact, female voters may give the Democrats a clean sweep in New Hampshire. Jeanne Shaheen leads Republican rival John Sununu by 48 percent to 39 percent. As in the presidential race, the two candidates are tied among men, but Shaheen crushes Sununu among women, 54 percent to 35 percent.

Incumbent New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch (67 percent) also is running away in his race with Republican Joe Kenney (15 percent), with strong support from men and women.

Obama has a 55 percent-to-34 percent lead among independents and is winning the battle for cross-over voters. Six percent of respondents who voted for John Kerry in 2004 are moving for McCain. But 15 percent of those who voted for President George W. Bush are backing Obama.

The poll of likely voters found that Obama is winning in all regions of the state and in all age groups, including those over 65.

A separate Suffolk bellwether poll of the towns of Epping and Tamworth finds Obama with a 10-point lead -- 48 percent to 38 percent. In 2008, Suffolk University bellwethers were 95 percent accurate in predicting straight-up winners in both Democratic and Republican primaries, and, when in agreement with the statewide Suffolk polls of the respective states, were 100 percent accurate in predicting straight-up winners.

Nearly three-fourths of respondents (72 percent) believe Obama will be president, regardless of whom they plan to vote for, compared to 13 percent who believe it will be McCain.

Paleologos said disapproval with Bush’s performance is a common thread seen in the poll. Seventy-two percent of respondents said they disapprove of the job Bush is doing.

“Displeasure with President Bush is another major factor driving what’s shaping up to be a Democratic sweep,” Paleologos said. “Despite their best efforts, Republicans have been unable to escape the Bush backlash.’’

The Suffolk University/7News poll was conducted Monday, Oct. 27, 2008, through Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008. The margin of error on the study of 600 is +/- 4 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. All respondents from the New Hampshire statewide survey were likely voters. There were 301 respondents from the bellwethers of Epping and Tamworth, N.H., identified separately from the statewide poll. Marginals and 153 pages of cross-tabulation data will be posted on the Suffolk University Political Research Center Web site – www.suffolk.edu/research/1450.html – at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008. For more information, contact David Paleologos at 781-290-9310

Nov. 4, 2008 -- Exhibit Depicts Day-to-Day Challenges of Homeless Photographers

Suffolk University Exhibit Stems from Outreach Project

BOSTON -- Suffolk University’s service learning organization will present an exhibit of photographs by homeless people as part of its Hunger and Homelessness Month activities.

Suffolk’s Organization for Uplifting Lives through Service, or S.O.U.L.S. has been giving disposable cameras to homeless people and exhibiting their work for several years.

The result is Perspectives: From One Lens to Mind’s Eye, an exhibit that includes current work and a retrospective of photography from previous exhibits of photographs documenting the day-to-day experiences of homeless Boston citizens.

“One person in particular really captured what his life is like,” said S.O.U.L.S. Community Service Scholar Jonathan Paton, who is coordinating the exhibit.

S.O.U.L.S. recruited the photographers at “supper club” meals programs that campus volunteers help staff.

“My goal is to put out the message that not every homeless person is someone in need of a home, but someone who needs a normal life, not sleeping on the street or on a friend’s couch” said Paton.

The exhibit is on display through mid-December in the fourth-floor lounge of the University’s Donahue Building, 41 Temple St., Boston.

The photographers will talk about what the experience meant to them at a reception from 1-2:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6. They will be joined by Ron Tibbetts, director of Neighborhood Action, Inc., which collaborated with S.O.U.L.S. on the photography project.

Nov. 6, 2008 -- Celtics and Suffolk University Announce Partnership: Innovative Deal Includes Academic and Sports Business Opportunities

BOSTON - Suffolk University business students will get a chance to create and propose sports-marketing programs for the world-champion Boston Celtics under a unique partnership that includes academic and sports business opportunities and an in-game sponsorship.

The Celtics and Suffolk University today announced the partnership, in which students from the University’s Sawyer Business School will study and evaluate the legendary NBA franchise’s business, marketing and community programs and needs as part of their course of study.

Students, working in collaboration with Celtics personnel, will then have an opportunity to develop marketing programs to be evaluated and potentially implemented by the team.

The partnership also includes an in-game sponsorship, through which Suffolk University sponsors the popular “Whoo Wants a T-shirt” giveaway during each home game.

“We have developed an exciting program with Suffolk University, which presents the unique opportunity for business students to learn first-hand about the day-to-day business operations of a professional sports team,” Celtics President Rich Gotham said.

The academic component of the partnership includes:

Access to Celtics front-office personnel for Suffolk University’s sports-marketing and business program.
Speaking appearances by executives from the 17-time world champion franchise, who will address the business of basketball and pro sports with students in Suffolk’s sports business and sports-marketing classes.
A Celtics executive keynote speech as part of a Celtics-Suffolk speaker series.
Potential internship opportunities with the legendary NBA franchise

Highlights of the marketing side of the program include:

Title sponsorship of the popular “Whoo Wants a T-shirt” giveaway during each home game
Suffolk use of the Celtics’ legendary logo
Suffolk University logo placement on the TD Banknorth Garden jumbotron during the T-shirt giveaway
Networking opportunities for Suffolk alumni, students and others

“This partnership brings Suffolk University to the legendary parquet floor, alongside Boston’s world champions,” said Suffolk University Vice President for External Affairs John Nucci. “And it will put Celtics expertise in the classroom, where our students will gain concrete and tangible experience from some of the best in the sports business arena.”

Catherine McCabe, an associate professor of marketing in the University’s Sawyer Business School, who developed the academic program, said the partnership will bring real-world learning in sports business and marketing to Sawyer students. At the same time, the Celtics may be the beneficiaries of some fresh ideas, she said.

“The opportunities for students within the sports industry in Boston and New England have been growing rapidly,” said McCabe. “That includes not just professional sports leagues and teams, but also companies that are sponsoring and developing partnerships with those teams. Whether considering a career path in sports business or some other area of marketing, Suffolk students will be better prepared for the competitive job market.”

About The Boston Celtics
A charter member of the Basketball Association of America (which evolved into the National Basketball Association) since 1946, the Boston Celtics have won a record 17 NBA Championships, including eight (8) in a row from 1959-1966, and have won NBA titles in four different eras. In addition, 31 former Celtics players, management or staff have been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In December 2002 the team returned to local ownership for the first time since 1963. For more information on the Celtics, log on to http://www.celtics.com/.

Contacts: Heather Walker, Boston Celtics - (O) 617-854-8072; (M) 617-594-4453
Sean Flanagan, Regan Communications - (O) 617-488-2878; (M) 781-789-2736
Kevin Flight, Regan Communications - (O) 617-488-2863; (M) 781-439-7140
Greg Gatlin, Suffolk University - (O) 617-573-8428; (M) 617-435-3634
Mariellen Norris, Suffolk University – (O) 617-573-8450; (M) 617-592-5637

Nov. 20, 2008 -- Suffolk Law School Presents Health Care Reform Conference:Mass. initiative seen having impact on efforts nationwide

BOSTON – As Sen. Edward M. Kennedy returns to Washington to tackle national health care reform and President-elect Barack Obama sets his agenda, Suffolk University Law School and Health Law Advocates present a daylong conference on health care reform on Friday, Nov. 21, 2008.

Harvey V. Fineberg, president of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, will be the keynote speaker at the conference, “Massachusetts as a Laboratory for Improving Access and Increasing Affordability.

The health care conference is sponsored by the Law School’s Center for Advanced Legal Studies and the Rappaport Center for Law and Public Service, the Health and Biomedical Law Concentration, and Health Law Advocates. It will take place from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at Suffolk University Law School, 120 Tremont St., Boston.

Topics to be covered include:

• Issues regarding implementation
• Thorny issues surrounding compliance with the state’s health reform law.
• The future of health reform nationally and in the states
• Impact on delivery of services – racial and ethnic disparities

“The Rappaport Center for Law and Public Service, working in collaboration with partners inside and outside the university, seek to bring important public policy issues to the fore, and health care will continue to be a critical issue going forward, both in Massachusetts and nationally,” said Susan Prosnitz, executive director of the Rappaport Center.

When Massachusetts enacted An Act Providing Access to Affordable, Quality, Accountable Health Care in April 2006, it undertook a comprehensive and visible effort to reform health insurance and health care practices. By requiring every Massachusetts resident to obtain health insurance coverage or its equivalent by July 1, 2007, the commonwealth hoped to eliminate lack of insurance as a cause of inadequate health care.

This conference will explore the challenges that confronted Massachusetts in the initial implementation phase of this ambitious health care reform program. In addition, the impact on the private sector—hospitals and other health care providers, insurers, employers, and individuals—will be examined. The conference will consider options for addressing recent concerns for the program, including issues such as the unexpectedly high costs of providing health insurance subsidies for low-income residents and the difficulties encountered in negotiating a renewal of the state’s Medicaid waiver.

The Massachusetts attempt to achieve universal coverage and lower the costs of insurance and care, while improving access and quality, invites the suggestion that the lessons learned can inform efforts in other states and the nation.

### back to top^

Nov. 20, 2008 -- Suffolk University Celebrates Beginning of Modern Theatre Residence Hall Project: To restore historic façade & build new theatre/gallery space

BOSTON – Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino was the guest speaker as Suffolk University celebrated the beginning of construction on its Modern Theatre residence hall project on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008, at the building site on Washington Street in Downtown Crossing.

The project will bring a new theater to Downtown Crossing and create 197 beds in suite-style student housing.

In addition to the residence hall, the building will feature a 184-seat theater. The lobby space in front of the theater will double as a gallery.

“It is exciting to be part of the rebirth of the Downtown Crossing area,” said Suffolk University President David J. Sargent. “Restoring the handsome façade of the Modern Theatre will help with the continuing revitalization of Washington Street, and the new residence hall will allow more of our students to take advantage of a full residential college experience.”

The Modern Theatre project is being planned to meet high standards for green design and sustainability, a hallmark of Suffolk University’s facilities.

“I’m delighted to be here today to begin the process of bringing the Modern Theatre back to life,” said Menino. “Since taking office, I have made historic preservation of theater space a top priority of my administration. I am so proud of how far we have come in reaching this goal. Restoring the Modern is the last piece and I’m proud that as we complete this restoration we will also be advancing Suffolk’s goal of creating more on-campus housing for their students.”

The building will be LEED certified. LEED is an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and buildings that earn this certification employ green design across all phases of design and construction. The building will be sustainable not only in the materials and systems used in construction, but also due to clean and efficient operation when the building comes into use.

The façade of the historic building will be taken apart stone by stone and sent to a masonry restoration expert before the remainder of the structure is torn down. When the residence hall/theater opens in fall 2010, it will be a completely new building with a fully restored face.

Architects worked with the University to design a building that will meet students’ needs, be environmentally sustainable and preserve the historic landmark.

Historic designation

The Modern Theatre was included on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 as part of the Washington Street Theatre District. In 1995 it was designated a Boston Landmark.

The building was initially constructed as retail and warehouse space in 1876. In 1913, it was converted into the Modern, the first Boston theater designed specifically to show films. Admission was 15 cents, and musical accompaniment was provided on an organ designed specifically for use in the theater. In 1928, the Modern Theatre premiered the first Boston showing of a “talkie” -- The Jazz Singer. It also introduced the double feature in an effort to compete with newer theaters showing movies and vaudeville together. By the 1980s, the building fell out of use and was considered beyond repair when Suffolk University stepped in.

The historic façade is cracking and will require significant restoration work. CBT, the architectural firm designing the new building, will dismantle the façade stone by stone and send it off site for restoration. When the residence hall/theater opens in fall 2010, it will be a completely new building with a fully restored Washington Street facade.

History repeats itself

The Modern Theatre residence hall project will not be Suffolk University’s first to use building materials recycled from a construction site.

The University made a deal with a demolition company to leave the brick behind as a structure on Beacon Hill was razed to make way for a new campus building in 1923. Work crews cleaned and reused nearly 150,000 bricks for the construction project.

While making the most of its resources in those early years, Suffolk University was ahead of its time in sustainable use of materials.

Today Suffolk University works diligently to find creative solutions to environmental challenges. The University instills the values of sustainability through education and practice -- in its buildings and by coaching students, faculty and staff.

###

Nov. 21, 2008 -- Suffolk University’s Improv Troupe Places 2nd in National Competition

BOSTON -- Seriously Bent, Suffolk University’s student improv troupe, finished second in the 2008 College Improv Tournament Final Four in Chicago on Nov. 15, 2008.

In a close match, scored 3-2 by a team of judges, Seriously Bent placed second to The Improv Mafia from Illinois State University.

They had gotten past The Titanic Player's Matador Now from Northwestern University to reach the finals of the national championship at the Chicago Improv Festival.

Seriously Bent has won the regional College Improv competition for the past four years.

Video clips of this year’s winning East Coast Regional Championship performances are available online.

The Seriously Bent comedians are Mitch Manning, Nicholas Mandella, Nicholas Wilson, Jonathan Curtiss, Kelly Dooley, Trevor Livingston, Corey O’Rourke, Courtney McMahon, Alec Lawless and Christian Roberts.

The troupe is sponsored by the University’s Performing Arts Office.

### back to top^

Nov. 21, 2008 -- Suffolk Law School Ranked among Best for Public Interest Law

BOSTON -- The National Jurist has ranked Suffolk University Law School among the country’s best law schools for public interest law.

In a cover story for its international edition, The National Jurist, a magazine for law students, placed Suffolk Law School among 60 singled out for opportunities offered to students who want to “Change the World.”

“Suffolk Law School challenges students to make the most of their talent and offers opportunities to see how satisfying it is to serve others through the law,” said Law School Dean Alfred Aman. “We find that our graduates go on to have an impact on their communities and in the world.”

The listing was based on points assigned for student involvement, which included both student and post-graduate activities; curriculum; and financial factors.

“The rankings are based on the 2006 Equal Justice Works e-guide questionnaire, and we have put even more emphasis on our public interest advising, programming and offerings since then,” said Law School Professor Ilene Seidman, who works with clinical programs.

Suffolk Law School has a long tradition of public service, with many graduates choosing public interest work.

Jan. 1, 2008 -- McCain Rockets Past Romney in New Hampshire; Clinton Opens Up Double-Digit Lead on Obama

Jan. 2, 2008 -- McCain & Clinton Extend Leads in N.H. Primaries

Daily Difference - Republicans

Daily Difference - Democrats

Jan. 3, 2008 -- Romney Closing Gap on McCain in NH GOP Primary; Clinton Maintains Lead in Democratic Primary

Daily Difference

Daily Difference

Jan. 4, 2008 -- Romney Takes Back Lead from McCain in NH GOP Primary; Clinton Holding Off Obama in Dem. Primary

Daily Difference

Daily Difference

Jan. 5, 2008 -- Obama Advances on Clinton in NH Democratic Primary; Romney Fending Off McCain in GOP Primary

Daily Difference

Daily Difference January 5 January 4 Percent Change Mitt Romney 30 percent 29 percent +1 John McCain 26 percent 25 percent +1 Mike Huckabee 11 percent 13 percent - 2 Rudy Giuliani 11 percent 9 percent +2

Jan. 6, 2008 -- It’s Neck and Neck in New Hampshire: Obama in Statistical Tie with Clinton in Democratic Primary; Romney and McCain in Match Race in GOP Primary

Daily Difference

Daily Difference

Jan. 7, 2008 -- New Hampshire Voters See Obama Presidency

Daily Difference

Daily Difference

Jan. 8, 2008 -- 7News/Suffolk University Poll: Maverick Independents Rock Granite State

Daily Difference

Daily Difference

Jan. 8, 2008 -- Suffolk University to Open Third Residence Hall

Jan. 15, 2008 -- Suffolk University’s Adams Gallery Presents Red Cross Photo Exhibit

Jan. 16, 2008 -- Suffolk University to Help “Focus the Nation” on Global Warming Solutions

Jan. 16, 2008 -- Conference Questions School Expulsion Laws

Jan. 28, 2008 -- McCain Leading Romney in Florida’s Winner-Take-All GOP Primary, Giuliani and Huckabee Vie for a Distant Third

Jan. 29, 2008 -- McCain Edges Romney in Florida GOP Bellwether; Suffolk University Introduces New Election Predictor after Successful Tests in Massachusetts and N.H.

Jan. 31, 2008 -- U.S. Ambassador to Poland Victor Ashe to Speak at Event Sponsored by Sawyer Business School & WorldBoston

Feb. 1, 2008 -- Suffolk University Students to Conduct Multilingual Exit Polls on “Super Tuesday”

Feb. 2, 2008 -- McCain Clings to Lead in California GOP Primary; Suffolk University Poll Shows Debate Watchers Liked Romney

Feb. 3, 2008 -- Obama & Clinton Headed for Golden State Photo Finish; Suffolk University Poll Shows Kennedy Endorsement Key for Obama

Feb. 4, 2008 -- Obama & Clinton Deadlocked in Mass. Democratic Primary; 7NEWS/Suffolk University Poll Shows Romney over McCain

Feb. 5, 2008 -- Bellwethers Ring Loud for Clinton in New 7NEWS/Suffolk University Research

Feb. 20, 2008 -- Suffolk U’s Sawyer Business School to Sign Pact with Polish University

Feb. 20, 2008 -- Andre Sonko Named Managing Director of Suffolk University-Dakar

Feb. 20, 2008 -- Suffolk University Opens HD TV Studio on Tremont St.

March 3, 2008 -- Clinton Headed for Win in Buckeye State; Suffolk University Poll Shows Ohio Democrats Voting for Clinton but Expecting Obama to Be Next President

March 4, 2008 -- Survey: Partisanship Declines among Younger Black Voters

March 4, 2008 -- Tuesday Bellwethers Ring for Clinton and McCain

New Suffolk University Research in Ohio and R.I.

March 25, 2008 -- Suffolk University to Present Symposium on Corporate Governance and Ethics

March 25, 2008 -- Distinguished Visiting Scholar Emil Kirchner to Host International Conference at Suffolk University

March 26, 2008 -- NIH Women’s Health Research Director to Lecture at Suffolk University

March 26, 2008 -- Alasdair Roberts Named to Rappaport Chair at Suffolk University Law School

March 26, 2008 -- $1 Million Gift Creates Institute for East Asian Studies at Suffolk University

March 27, 2008 -- Massachusetts Health Reform Leaves Many Women Vulnerable; Suffolk University Policy Brief finds state insurance plan costs women more & may impede use of health care

April 7, 2008 -- Suffolk University Law School to Host Region’s First Overview of New Federal Loan Forgiveness Law

April 8, 2008 -- Beyond loopholes: BHI study suggests simplifying and lowering all business taxes to 5.3%

April 18, 2008 -- "A Changing World: New England in the Photographs of Verner Reed, 1950-1972" at at Suffolk University’s Adams Gallery

April 21, 2008 -- Poll: Clinton Headed for Keystone State Win

Suffolk University Survey Shows 20 percent Will Cast McCain Vote if their Preferred Candidate Loses Nomination

See Marginals and Cross Tabs

April 22, 2008 -- Bellwether Points to Clinton Win in Penn.

New Suffolk University Research Analyzes Allegheny County Households

See Frequencies

May 2, 2008 -- Bernstein and Wells to speak at Suffolk University Commencement Exercises

May 5, 2008 -- Poll: Clinton Leads Obama in Hoosier State

Suffolk University Survey Shows 38 percent Will Cast McCain Vote if their Preferred Candidate Loses Nomination

May 6, 2008 -- Indiana Bellwether Points to Clinton Win

New Suffolk University Research Analyzes Delaware County Households

May 11, 2008 -- Poll Predicts 36-Point Clinton Landslide in W. Virginia

May 13, 2008 -- Suffolk University-NECN Partnership Focuses on Tremont St. TV Studio

May 13, 2008 -- Study: Real Cost of Massachusetts Medical Malpractice Premiums Has Declined; Suffolk Law Research Raises Questions about Assertions of Financial Crisis

May 14, 2008 -- Moakley Foundation Announces Scholarships; Honors James Linnehan & Jeanne Hession with Public Service Awards

May 19, 2008 -- Polls: Clinton Solid in Kentucky; Oregon is Obama's in Tight Race

June 4, 2008 -- Suffolk Law School Wins International Award in Recognition of Human Rights Conference

June 10, 2008 -- Beacon Hill Civic Association, Suffolk University Reach Agreement on Institutional Master Plan

June 11, 2008 -- Obama Up in Massachusetts Despite Clinton Defections: Poll Shows Obama Voters Want Hillary in Cabinet

June 16, 2008 -- Initiative for Diversity in Civic Leadership to Honor Second Graduating Class

June 16, 2008 -- Candidate Kerry Shows Potential Weakness: 7NEWS/Suffolk University Poll Indicates Voters Would Welcome New Blood

July 30, 2008 -- "Stories in Stone: The Historic Burying Grounds of Boston" at Suffolk University’s Adams Gallery

July 30, 2008 -- Supreme Judicial Court Justice Greaney to Join Suffolk Law School

July 31, 2008 -- Ford Hall Forum in New Partnership with Suffolk University: Fall Lecture Series Kicks Off with Wikipedia Founder Jimmy Wales

Aug. 4, 2008 -- Obama Lead Eroding in Massachusetts: 7NEWS/Suffolk University Poll Shows Obama ahead by 9 Percent

Aug. 6, 2008 -- 7NEWS/Suffolk University Poll: Mass. Voters Support Governor on Issues: Extending Same-Sex Marriage, Luring Moviemakers & Promoting Casino Gambling

Aug. 6, 2008 -- Suffolk University Names Two to Leadership Positions: Barry Brown Becomes Provost; Janice Griffith Is VP of Academic Affairs

Aug. 13, 2008 -- Voters Say Yes to Decriminalizing Marijuana: 7NEWS/Suffolk University Poll Also Shows Romney Hurts McCain in Mass.

Aug. 25, 2008 -- Obama Leads McCain by 5 Percent in Colorado: Suffolk University Poll Also Shows Obama Stronger Against McCain Than Clinton

Sept. 15, 2008 -- Trust Driving 4 Percent McCain Lead in Buckeye State: Suffolk University Poll Shows Ohioans Identify with Palin

Daily Difference

January 5 January 4 Percent Change

Mitt Romney 30 percent 29 percent +1

John McCain 26 percent 25 percent +1

Mike Huckabee 11 percent 13 percent - 2

Rudy Giuliani 11 percent 9 percent +2