Ballot Talks: party chairs

Guests: Philip Klinkner, Jonathan Easley

In this week’s edition of Ballot Talks: we’ll take a look at the role of political party chairs and get some analysis of those who currently hold the position – Democrat Debbie Wasserman-Schultz and Republican Reince Priebus.  The two have faced much scrutiny in this year’s presidential election cycle for different reasons.  Priebus had to reconcile GOP leaders whom had been adverse to Donald Trump’s candidacy prior to having gained the nomination.  Wasserman-Schultz, on the other hand, has many Democrats pressuring her to step down from the position for bias and because of claims that she changed the party’s finance rules.  We’ll also examine what exactly a chairperson actually does, and the effect they have on shaping elections. We’ll be joined by PHILIP KLINKNER, professor of government at Hamilton College, and by JONATHAN EASLEY, reporter for The Hill.