He's no stranger to Capitol Hill. Joseph K. Unekis spent six
months on sabbatical in Washington, D.C., where he witnessed
the inauguration of President Clinton in 1993 and studied Congress
while aiding Kansas Congressman Jim Slattery. He's also spent
countless hours researching and participating in local, regional
and national politics.
Unekis, associate professor of political science at Kansas State University, is a noted expert in the fields of American government, Congressional politics, political parties and elections. He has commented on issues including minority party candidates, the role of first ladies in politics and campaigning, the importance of the primaries, political action committees and campaign funding, and the power of lobbyists.
In 1990, he received K-State's William L. Stamey Teaching Award. He is co-author of the book, "Congressional Committee Politics: Continuity and Change."
Unekis received his bachelor's degree from Eastern Illinois University, and his master's degree and doctorate from Indiana University. In 1986, he became a resident graduate of the Air War College. He has been at K-State since 1977.
He is the author of the e-textbook "People, Problems, and Power: A concise Introduction to American Politics."
Unekis can be reached for comment at 785-532-0442 or by e-mail at jku@k-state.edu.