West Virginia University professors are available to comment on the President’s State of the Union address (Feb. 12) and West Virginia Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin’s State of the State address (Feb. 13).

President Barack Obama is expected to address a variety of timely issues, including immigration reform, the economy and gun violence, among others.

And on Wednesday, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has said he will be discussing his plan for the state’s budget.

• Patrick Hickey, an assistant professor of political science, specializes in American politics and presidential leadership, especially in the area of Congressional bipartisan support for a president’s legislation. He can be reached via cell at 607-372-2392 or via e-mail at Patrick.Hickey@mail.wvu.edu

• Neil Berch, an associate professor of political science, focuses on economic policy and state politics. Berch teaches courses in state and local politics, economic policy and economic models of politics. His articles have appeared in American Politics Quarterly, Political Research Quarterly and Southeastern Political Science Review. He can be reached by cell phone at 412-445-3957 or by e-mail at berchnorto@msn.com

• Maja Husar Holmes, an assistant professor of public administration, examines energy policy, specifically cross-sector partnerships and public participation strategies to implement energy and environmental innovations. She can be reached by cell phone at 202-302-1286 or by e-mail at Maja.Holmes@mail.wvu.edu

• Jamie Van Nostrand, director of the Center for Energy and Sustainable Development and associate professor of law focuses on energy and environmental and climate change issues. He can be reached via cell phone (304) 777-6050 or office phone (304) 293-4694 or by e-mail at james.vannostrand@mail.wvu.edu

• Elaine Wilson is an associate professor of law who can address the topics of the fiscal cliff and taxes. She can be reached by cell phone 812-340-2539 or office phone 304-293-7802 or by e-mail elaine.wilson@mail.wvu.edu

• Joshua Fershee is an associate professor of law who can speak on business law and energy law. He can be reached by cell at 917-921-7148 or e-mail joshua.fershee@mail.wvu.edu

-WVU-

dm/02/12/13

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