Dr. J. Michael Bitzer, an assistant professor of political science at Catawba College, recently presented a paper at the 15th Biennial Symposium on Southern Politics at The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina.

The paper, entitled "When Fifteen Equals Fifty," explored the recent phenomenon in North Carolina that 15 metropolitan counties delivered 50 percent of the vote in 2004.  In his statistical analysis, Bitzer found that in suburban precincts within the eight major N.C. metropolitan regions had an impact on Republican votes cast for president, U.S. Senate, and governor, when taking into account other factors such as party affiliation and racial percentages within the precinct. 

A frequent commentator on Southern politics and campaigns and elections, Bitzer joined Catawba College in 2002.  He holds a bachelor of arts degree in English from Erskine College, a master of arts degree in history from Clemson University, and his Ph.D. in political science from the University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs.  He and wife Andrea Anders reside in Salisbury and are parents of son Andrew.