ISU Speaker Series invites Meghan McCain

Meghan McCain will offer her insight on the Republican Party this week as part of the University Speaker Series.

 McCain, the daughter of former GOP presidential candidate and Arizona Sen. John Mc- Cain, will speak at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Tilson Music Hall.

 Her speech is titled "Redefining Republicanism: No Labels. No Boxes. No Stereotypes."

 McCain gained attention for her political and social commentary during and after her father's campaign. She is the author of "My Dad, John McCain," an illustrated children's book, and "Dirty Sexy Politics," a political memoir.

 "She will bring a different view on what happens today and in politics," said Paula Meyer, media relations coordinator for Communications and Marketing and ex-officio member of the speaker series' advising committee.

 The event is free and open to the public. A reception and book signing is scheduled immediately following in the Heritage Ballroom.

 McCain graduated from Columbia University with a degree in art history. She intended to be a music journalist and interned at Newsweek and "Saturday Night Live."

 Then her father announced his bid for the presidency. She joined the campaign and documented her journey on her blog, McCain- Blogette.com. The blog has been recognized for excellence from political associations.

 McCain is the third speaker to visit ISU for the 30th season of the series. CBS News correspondent Byron Pitts and Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson spoke last fall. Winter weather postponed film critic Richard Roeper's appearance slated for earlier this month. He was rescheduled for 7 p.m. March 28.

 The advising committee typically meets a year in advance to arrange and book speakers, said Linda Crossett, interim director of the Office of Continuing Education, who is responsible for contacting agents, handling contracts and arranging backstage access to speakers. responsible for contacting agents, handling contracts and arranging backstage access to speakers.

 Availability, name recognition and affordability are the main factors the committee considers when selecting a speaker. Meyer would not disclose ISU's desired price range due to the competitive nature of speaker recruitment.

 The university also looks for high-profile people with inspirational or compelling stories. Pitts shared his struggles with functional illiteracy and the obstacles he overcame to achieve his goals.

 Crossett said a student suggested inviting Mc- Cain to campus. The committee also polled series patrons about their favorite speakers over the past decade. Journalists such as Bob Woodward and authors such as Mitch Albom have participated in the past.

 The survey showed that authors, politicians and current event personalities were the most popular among patrons. Crossett said an average speech attracts between 800 and 1,000 people.

 Of those, the surveys indicated that 90 percent stay for the reception and book signing, Meyer said.

So far, this season's events have exceeded organizers' expectations.

Both Crossett and Meyer pointed to Pitts' inspirational message and the timeliness of Robinson's Congressional midterm election analysis.

 I think it's been a very good season," Crossett said.

 The University Speakers Series announces each season's speakers in the summer.