In 2008, American voters may have the chance to make history by electing the first African-American President. Some consider Senator Barack Obama the first viable African-American presidential candidate. Others don't think he is electable. Is race still an issue or is Obama simply not qualified?

Professor Zoltan Hajnal will discuss his research on voting behavior, including historical data from previous elections involving African-American candidates. His new book, Changing White Attitudes toward Black Political Leadership, addresses the question of whether white voters can change their minds about African-American candidates.

Zoltan Hajnal is an assistant professor in the Political Science department and former research fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California. His research interests include minority representation, urban governance, inequality, political participation, and direct democracy.

The cost to attend the event is $65, which includes parking and dinner. For more information or reservations, please contact Michelle Glenn at (858) 822-0805 or mglenn@ucsd.edu.