ELECTION 2012: COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

With the approach of the 2012 U.S. elections, Baker Institute experts are providing commentary and analysis on a wide range of issues on the minds of voters. Click through to the news stories linked below to read the experts' views on energy, politics, health reform and more.

Return to the Election 2012: Policy Perspectives program page.

• Read Daily Tar Heel article "NC petitioners seek break from America," which quotes Mark P. Jones, political science fellow (Nov. 16, 2012).
• Read NBC2 article "Goodbye Texas?," in which political science fellow Mark P. Jones is quoted (Nov. 14, 2012).
• Read Houston Chronicle article "Did Ted Cruz do better in Latino areas than other Republicans?," which quotes Mark P. Jones, fellow in political science (Nov. 13, 2012).
• Read KHOU article "Who'll win the dead senator's seat?," which quotes Robert M. Stein, fellow in urban politics (Nov. 12, 2012).
• Read HeraldDemocrat.com article "Texas GOP leaders, base at odds over wooing Hispanics," which quotes political science fellow Mark P. Jones (Nov. 12, 2012).
• Read 88.7 KUHF News article "How Early Voting Changes Elections," which quotes Robert M. Stein, fellow in urban politics (Nov. 12, 2012).
• Read On the Kuff blog post "On bringing home the 'bacon,'" in which Mark P. Jones, political science fellow, is quoted (Nov. 11, 2012).
• Read Austin American-Statesman article "Texas GOP leaders strive to reach out to Hispanics; some party factions unhappy," which quotes Mark P. Jones, fellow in political science (Nov. 10, 2012).
• Read Houston Chronicle article "Early voting a trend, but does it diminish Election Day?," in which Robert M. Stein, fellow in urban politics, is quoted (Nov. 10, 2012).
• Read McClatchyDC article "Hispanics may help Texas GOP," in which political science fellow Mark P. Jones is quoted (Nov. 9, 2012).
• Read Mass Transit article "Optimism, Obama Helped Lift Bond Measures, Observers Say" featuring a quote from urban politics fellow Robert M. Stein (Nov. 8, 2012).
• Read HispanicBusiness.com article "Hispanic Voters Send Warning to GOP," which quotes Mark P. Jones, political science fellow (Nov. 8, 2012)
• Read canada.com article "Liberals rejoice, conservatives scoff at the notion of the dawning of a new America," which quotes fellow in history Douglas Brinkley (Nov. 8, 2012).
• Read Houston Business Journal article "Obama's re-election confirms the path of health care reform," which quotes Vivian Ho, chair in health economics (Nov. 7, 2012).
• Read KHOU article "Divided government: Obama narrowly wins in county once dominated by GOP," which quotes urban politics fellow Robert M. Stein (Nov. 7, 2012).
• Read Houston Chronicle article "Optimism, Obama helped lift bond measures observers say," in which Robert M. Stein, urban politics fellow, is quoted (Nov. 7, 2012).
• Read Voxxi article "Ted Cruz becomes Texas' first Hispanic senator," which quotes Mark P. Jones, fellow in political science (Nov. 7, 2012).
• Read Fox 26 Houston article "Many want to get rid of political gridlock," in which political science fellow Mark P. Jones is quoted (Nov. 7, 2012).
• Read Austin American-Statesman article "GOP remains firmly in charge of Texas," which quotes Mark P. Jones, political science fellow (Nov. 7, 2012).
• Read Houston Chronicle article "Hispanic vote should be a clue for Texas Republicans," which quotes Mark P. Jones, fellow in political science (Nov. 7, 2012).
• Read Fox 26 Houston article "TX Senator Gallegos wins victory after death," which quotes political science fellow Mark P. Jones (Nov. 7, 2012).
• Read Houston Chronicle article "Will Texas lose federal bacon as Cruz replaces Hutchison?," which quotes Mark P. Jones, fellow in political science (Nov. 7, 2012).
• Read New York Times article "Now, a Chance to Catch Up to His Epochal Vision," which quotes Douglas Brinkley, fellow in history (Nov. 7, 2012).
• Read Observer article "The Texas Senate Heads Towards the Right" featuring a quote from political science fellow Mark P. Jones (Nov. 6, 2012).
• Read NewsRadio 740 KTRH article "Debate heating up again" featuring a quote from Mark P. Jones, political science fellow, commenting on the Electoral College (Nov. 6, 2012).
• Read My San Antonio article "Overheard on election day," featuring a quote by political science fellow Mark P. Jones (Nov. 6, 2012).
• Read Houston Chronicle article "No surprises from Harris County voters," in which political science fellow Mark P. Jones is quoted (Nov. 6, 2012).
• Read Fort Worth Star-Telegram article "Hispanics may save GOP, not Democrats," which quotes political science fellow Mark P. Jones (Nov. 6, 2012).
• Read Austin American-Statesman article "Obama win expands Perry's political options," which quotes Mark P. Jones, political science fellow (Nov. 6, 2012).
• Read Houston Chronicle article "Tight races in Texas Districts 14, 23 continue late into the night," which quotes Mark P. Jones, fellow in political science (Nov. 6, 2012).
• Read Houston Chronicle article "Cruz wallops Sadler to succeed Hutchison," which quotes Mark P. Jones, fellow in political science (Nov. 6, 2012).
• Read Fox News Latino article "Election 2012: Ted Cruz Wins Senate Seat in Texas, Makes History," which quotes Mark P. Jones, political science fellow (Nov. 6, 2012).
• Read Houston Chronicle article "Obama wins tight victory: 'The best is yet to come,'" in which Mark P. Jones, fellow in political science, is quoted (Nov. 6, 2012).
• Read Marketplace article "Next president inherits hopeful economy," which quotes Douglas Brinkley, fellow in history (Nov. 6, 2012).
• Read FactCheck.org article "The 2012 FactCheck Awards," in which political science fellow Mark P. Jones is quoted (Nov. 6, 2012).
• Read the AP article "Tough choices if Obama wins but loses popular vote" which quotes Douglas Brinkley, fellow in history (Nov. 6, 2012).
• Read KHOU article "Early vote analysis: Dems barely lead GOP in Harris County," which quotes Robert M. Stein, fellow in urban politics (Nov. 5, 2012).
• Read AOL Energy article "Ahead of the U.S. Election, Energy Sector prepares for a pivot," which quotes Baker Institute founding director Edward P. Djerejian (Nov. 5, 2012).
• Read Bloomberg article "Perry May Reign in Senate if Democrat out, Dead Man Wins," which quotes Mark P. Jones, political science fellow (Nov. 4, 2012).
• Read China Daily article "U.S. presidential race 'very competitive'" which features a quote by Mark. P Jones, political science fellow (Nov. 2, 2012).
• Read Texas Tribune article "Comparing the CD-14 Candidates," by political science fellow Mark P. Jones(Nov. 2, 2012).
• Read National Journal article "Potential Ascension of Texans, Michiganders Ruffles Some Feathers," which quotes political science fellow Mark P. Jones (Nov. 2, 2012).
• Read Houston Chronicle article "Future of rail riding on the Metro referendum, opponents say," which quotes urban politics fellow Robert M. Stein (Nov. 2, 2012).
• Read Houston Chronicle article "Make the effort to vote on all issues on the ballot" by Robert M. Stein, urban politics fellow (Nov. 2, 2012).
• Read Houston Chronicle article "The 2012 election and the future of the Texas Green Party" by Mark P. Jones, fellow in political science (Nov. 1, 2012).
• Read WCSH6-Portland article "Obama gets to showcase leadership," which quotes Douglas Brinkley, fellow in history, commenting on President Barack Obama's reaction to Hurricane Sandy (Nov. 1, 2012). 
• Read Burnt Orange Report article "Most Democrats lead in Harris County," which quotes Robert M. Stein, urban politics fellow (Nov. 1, 2012). 
• Read Global Times article "Votes in swing states make U.S. presidential race 'competitive,'" which features a quote by political science fellow Mark P. Jones (Nov. 2, 2012).
• Read USA Today article "Obama gets opportunity to show his leadership," in which Douglas Brinkley, fellow in history, comments on the effects Hurricane Sandy may have on the presidential election (Nov. 1, 2012). 
• Read Houston Chronicle article "Obama leads in poll of Harris County," in which Robert M. Stein, urban politics fellow, is quoted (Nov. 1, 2012). 
• Read KHOU article "Metro referendum seems poised to pass, but voters still scratch their heads," which quotes Robert M. Stein, urban politics fellow, commenting on the Metro referendum that will appear on ballots in Houston (Oct. 31, 2012). 
• Read KHOU.com article "Obama leads tight race in Harris County," which quotes Robert M. Stein, fellow in urban politics (Oct. 31, 2012).
• Read Stamford Advocate article "Solid red status puts Texans on political sidelines," which quotes Mark P. Jones, political science fellow (Oct. 30, 2012).
• Read My Fox Houston article "Concern for kids fuels voter participation,"in which political science fellow Mark P. Jones is quoted about voter participation in Houston (Oct. 30, 2012). 
• Read Chicago Tribune article "Nature slams candidates with October surprise, brings gentler tone for now, at least," which quotes Douglas Brinkley, fellow in history (Oct. 30, 2012).
• Read New York Times article "On Romney, Obama and U.S. Investments in Science" which refers to an op-ed authored by Neal F. Lane, senior fellow in science and technology policy (Oct. 29, 2012).
• Read Bloomberg article "Democrat Clinton Backs Gives Texas Republican Tight Race" which quotes political science fellow Mark P. Jones(Oct. 29, 2012).
• Read New York Times op-ed "Science Is the Key to Growth" by Neal F. Lane, senior fellow in science and technology policy and former director of the National Science Foundation. In this piece, Lane compares the proposed science policies of President Barack Obama and Gov. Mitt Romney, and explains how investment in science research and development can boost the economy (Oct. 28, 2012). 
• Read Houston Chronicle article "Harris County shatters records for early voting" in which Mark P. Jones, political science fellow, is quoted (Oct. 26, 2012). 
• Read Rolling Stone interview "Obama and the Road Ahead" by Douglas Brinkley, fellow in history (Oct. 25, 2012).
• Read PRI's The World article "Reality Check: Romney Promises More Trade with Latin America," which quotes political science fellow Mark P. Jones (Oct. 25, 2012). 
• Read a guest post "On taxes, Obama sticks to much of Bush playbook" by public finance fellow John W. Diamond on The Hill's Congress Blog (Oct. 24, 2012). 
• Read Houston Chronicle article "Strong challenge fueled by education cuts," in which political science fellow Mark P. Jones comments on the Texas House of Representatives race between Sarah Davis and Ann Johnson (Oct. 24, 2012).
• Read West University Examiner article "Rice professor talks about HCC bond, presidential election," which discusses a lecture that urban politics fellow Robert M. Stein gave at a Houston Community College event (Oct. 24, 2012).
• Read Charlotte Obeserver article "Billy Graham speaks with his own voice, son Franklin says," which quotes religion and public policy senior fellow and Billy Graham biographer William Martin (Oct. 23, 2012).
• Read Reuter's story "Latino Democrat narrows race for Senate in Arizona," in which political science fellow Mark P. Jones is quoted (Oct. 23, 2012).
• Read KHOU News article "How to beat the long lines at polling places," in which urban politics fellow Robert M. Stein comments on early voting in Houston (Oct. 23, 2012). 
• Read Religion News Service's article "Why is Billy Graham so involved in the 2012 elections?," which quotes religion and public policy senior fellow William Martin (Oct. 22, 2012). 
• Read Houston Chronicle article “Foreign policy at the core of tonight’s debate,” which quotes Mark P. Jones, fellow in political science (Oct. 22, 2012).
• Read KTRH NewsRadio story "Mixed Ticket?," in which political science fellow Mark P. Jones discusses the possibility of a Mitt Romney/Joe Biden administration (Oct. 22, 2012).
• Read the KRIV Fox 26 Houston article "Death of Texas Senator Gallegos leaves uncertainty in election," which quotes political science fellow Mark P. Jones (Oct. 22, 2012). 
• Read Houston Chronicle article "Obama vs. Romney: The Houston money machine," which quotes Robert M. Stein, fellow in urban politics (Oct. 14, 2012).
• Read Austin American-Statesman article "Is there a dime's worth of difference between Romney and Obama on foreign policy?" by Joe Barnes, Bonner Means Baker Fellow (Oct. 6, 2012).
• Read the Houston Chronicle Texas on the Potomac blog post "The Top Ten: Conservative leader zaps Romney campaign for being 'poorly managed,'" which quotes Richard Stoll, Albert Thomas Professor of Political Science and Baker Institute Rice scholar (Sept. 22, 2012).
• Read the New York Post article "Israeli leader closely involves himself in U.S. race," which quotes Douglas Brinkley, fellow in history (Sept. 19, 2012).
• Watch a clip from CNN's "Erin Burnett OutFront" in which history fellow Douglas Brinkley discusses presidential politics (Sept. 18, 2012). 
• Read AP article "Romney questions Palestinian commitment to peace," which quotes history fellow Douglas Brinkley (Sept. 18, 2012). 
• Read KPRC Click2Houston article "Sept. 16: Voter suppression or honest mistake?," which quotes political science fellow Mark P. Jones (Sept. 17, 2012).
• Read The Fiscal Times article "Policy bigwigs sound the alarm over 'fiscal cliff,'" which mentions that Baker Institute honorary chair James A. Baker, III, participated in a forum on the growing and unsustainable U.S. debt (Sept. 17, 2012).
• Read New York Times article "Fossil fuel industry ads dominate TV campaign," in which energy fellow Amy Myers Jaffe is quoted (Sept. 13, 2012). 
• Read Houston Chronicle article "Romney critique criticized by both parties," which quotes Baker Institute Rice scholar Richard Stoll (Sept. 13, 2012).
• Read KPRC Click2Houston article "Will Middle East unrest impact presidential election?," in which political science fellow Mark P. Jones is quoted (Sept. 13, 2012).
• Read Austin American-Statesman article "Should Austin city elections move to November?," which quotes urban politics fellow Robert M. Stein (Sept. 13, 2012). 
• Baker Institute honorary chair James A. Baker, III, participated in a bipartisan forum at the Center for Strategic and International Studies on the economic and foreign policy implications of the debt crisis as part of the "Strengthening of America — Our Children's Future" initiative. Read more about his remarks here (Sept. 12, 2012).
• Watch a clip from MSNBC's "Hardball with Chris Matthews," in which history fellow Douglas Brinkley shares his thoughts on the 2012 election (Sept. 11, 2012).
• Read Dallas Morning News article "Texas voices largely missing from health care debate," in which health economics fellow Vivian Ho is quoted (Sept. 10, 2012).
• Read Houston Chronicle Texas on the Potomac blog post "Conventions give nation a prime-time glimpse of Texas diversity," which quoted political science fellow Mark P. Jones (Sept. 9, 2012).
• Read Houston Chronicle article "Texas Democrats complain of Republican 'overreach,'" in which political science fellow Mark P. Jones is quoted on the controversy of Texas voter ID laws (Sept. 9, 2012).
• Read Houston Chronicle article "Poll shows majority support for bond proposals," in which urban politics fellow Robert Stein discusses a recent poll he helped conduct on Houston-area bond measures up for vote this November (Sept. 7, 2012).
• Read Houston Chronicle Houston Politics blog post "Optimism = support for bond measures," in which urban politics fellow Robert Stein is quoted (Sept. 7, 2012).
• Listen to KUHF FM news story "Despite bonds that favor passage, ballot placement might work against them," which quoted urban politics fellow Robert Stein (Sept. 7, 2012).
• Read Houston Chronicle article "Winners, losers from the Democratic convention," which quotes political science fellow Mark P. Jones (Sept. 7, 2012).
• Watch history fellow and presidential scholar Douglas Brinkley speak to MSNBC (video) about President Barack Obama's acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention (Sept. 6, 2012).
• Read Businessweek article "Rewards outweigh Bill Clinton risks for Obama's re-election bid," which quotes history fellow Douglas Brinkley (Sept. 5, 2012).
• Read Los Angeles Times article "Bill Clinton's convention appearance could influence two elections," in which history fellow Douglas Brinkley is quoted (Sept. 4, 2012).
• Read Fox News Latino article "Latino voters let down by Obama, not enthused by Mitt Romney," which quotes political science fellow Mark P. Jones (Sept. 4, 2012).
• Read Fox News article "Another disaster brings candidates to Gulf Coast," in which history fellow Douglas Brinkley is quoted on presidential candidates' visits to parts of Louisiana hit by Hurricane Isaac (Sept. 3, 2012).
• Read AP article "Obama's re-election road: Hope and a hard climb," in which history fellow Douglas Brinkley is quoted (Sept. 3, 2012).
• Read Texas Votes blog post "Implications of the Texas voter ID decision," which quotes political science fellow Mark P. Jones (Aug. 31, 2012).
• Read Houston Chronicle article "Romney's narrative for next 9 weeks aimed at women," which quotes political science fellow Mark P. Jones (Aug. 30, 2012).
• Read Houston Chronicle editorial "Stop defending voter ID and discriminatory districts," in which political science fellow Mark P. Jones is quoted (Aug. 30, 2012).
• Read the SFGate article "The nine states that will decide whether Romney or Obama wins in November," in which Baker Institute political science fellow Mark P. Jones is quoted (Aug. 30, 2012).
• Read CNN's "Has the tea party 'sold out' to the mainstream GOP?," which quotes Baker Institute history fellow Doug Brinkley (Aug. 28, 2012). 
• Read the Bloomberg News article "Swing states pushed to aid voter signups in welfare offices," which quotes Baker Institute political science fellow Robert Stein (Aug. 28, 2012).
• Watch KHOU-TV's "Could Romney's energy independence plan work?," in which Energy Forum research associate James Coan is interviewed (Aug. 23, 2012).
• Read the Washington Times article "In Paul they trust as he leaves political stage," which quotes Baker Institute political science fellow Mark P. Jones (Aug. 23, 2012).
• Watch an upcoming CNN documentary on President Obama featuring an interview with Baker Institute history fellow Doug Brinkley (Aug. 23, 2012).
• Watch history fellow Doug Brinkley discuss past national political conventions on Current TV (Aug. 21, 2012).
• Read the San Antonio Express-News article "Remarks on rape trigger deadline," which quotes Baker Institute political science fellow Mark P. Jones (Aug. 21, 2012).
• Listen to KCRW radio's "Deferred Deportation: Dream Act Lite or Political Ploy?" which quotes Baker Institute political science fellow Mark P. Jones (Aug. 21, 2012).
• Read "Republican Governors Should Want Homemade Exchanges," a Bloomberg News op-ed by Baker Institute health policy scholar Elena Marks (Aug. 19, 2012).