Newswise — Hans Hassell, assistant professor of politics at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, is available for analysis of the first Democratic Primary debate.

Hassell has written in the Washington Post about the ways political parties manage the field during primaries, and the effect that has on the choices available to voters.

Hassell, who holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University of California-San Diego, is interested in campaigns and elections, political parties, and the U.S. Congress. His research looks at the role of political parties in congressional primary elections, and explores how the actions of candidates, parties, and interest groups affect the decisions of citizens to become involved in the political process in the United States.