Kathryn DePalo-Gould, Ph.D.
depalok@fiu.edu
Florida International University
Phone: 305-348-2859
Address: 11200 SW 8th St., SIPA 415
City: Miami, Florida - 33199
Country: United States
Social Media:
X: depalok
About Me:
Kathryn DePalo received her Ph.D. in Political Science from Florida International University in 2006. Her book, The Failure of Term Limits in Florida was published in 2015 from the University Press of Florida and examines the effects of term limits on Florida’s state legislature. She also holds a Master of Arts degree in Political Science from Florida Atlantic University and a B.A. in Communications from the University of Connecticut. Dr. DePalo has extensive experience in state and local government processes and elections both in Connecticut and Florida. She has managed several campaigns, including a successful countywide judicial campaign in Broward County, Florida. Her teaching focus is American politics, including judicial process, gender and politics, and state and local government. Dr. DePalo’s primary research interest is in Florida politics, and has published on topics such as state judicial selection, the effects of gender in state legislative politics, and career paths of term-limited legislators. Dr. DePalo is the Director of PLATO, Pre-Law Advising and Training Office. She is the past president of the Florida Political Science Association. Dr. DePalo has been quoted in numerous local, national, and international media outlets and is a featured columnist for the Sayfie Review. Dr. DePalo has been a full-time faculty member in the Department of Politics and International Relations at Florida International University since 2006.
Research Interests
American Presidency And Executive Politics
Elections, Election Administration, and Voting Behavior
Gender and Politics
Legislative Politics
State and Local Politics
Political Participation
Florida Politics
Countries of Interest
United States
Publications:
Books Written:
"The definitive account of how term limits have reshaped contemporary Florida politics."--Seth C. McKee, author of Republican Ascendancy in Southern U.S. House Elections "If you want to know why term limits were adopted in Florida and how they have changed the legislature and lawmaking process and the balance of power between institutional actors you absolutely have to read this book."--Aubrey Jewett, coauthor of Politics in Florida, Third Edition In 1992, Florida voters approved an amendment to the state's Constitution creating eight-year term limits for legislators--making Florida the second-largest state to implement such a law. Eight years later, sixty-eight term-limited senators and representatives were forced to retire, and the state saw the highest number of freshman legislators since the first legislative session in 1845. Proponents view term limits as part of a battle against the rising political class and argue that limits will foster a more honest and creative body with ideal "citizen" legislators. However, in this comprehensive twenty-year study, the first of its kind to examine the effects of term limits in Florida, Kathryn DePalo shows nothing could be further from the truth. Instead, these limits created a more powerful governor, legislative staffers, and lobbyists. Because incumbency is now certain, leadership races--especially for Speaker--are sometimes completed before members have even cast a single vote. Furthermore, legislators rarely leave public office; they simply return to local offices where they continue to exert influence.
Media Appearances:
TV Appearances:
“Donald Trump nurtures big Latino vote in Florida again,” by Julie Etchingham, ITV, November 4, 2020.
“This Week in South Florida: Kathryn DePalo-Gould and Sean Forman,” This Week in South Florida, ABC 10 Miami, October 11, 2020.
“Independent voters in Florida still on the fence ahead of election: 'Pay attention to us',” by Elina Shirazi, Fox News, September 18, 2020.
“Women and the 2020 U.S. Election- Frauen und die US-Wahl 2020,” by Janita Hämäläinen, Der Spiegel, September 17, 2020.
“Political Science Experts Discuss Florida Governor’s Race,” This Week in South Florida,
“A Look at the Primary for Florida’s District 27,” by Steve Litz,
“Miami House Race Once Seen as Easy Dem Pickup Tightens,” by Allie Raffa,
"Florida Legislative Session 2018- Scandal and Priorities,”
Radio Appearances:
“Florida Faces A Rocky Rollout To Restore Voting Rights After Felony Convictions,” by Daniel Rivero, NPR’s Morning Edition, January 8, 2020.
“A Look Into Why Florida Is A Swing-State In Presidential Races,” by Robbie Gaffney, WFSU, October 30, 2020.
Newspaper Quotes:
“NPA candidates with Republican connections are on ballot in tight House and Senate races. Are they alternatives or spoilers?” by Annie Martin and Ryan Gillespie, Orlando Sentinel, September 9, 2020.
“Florida’s Botched-Election History Spurs Bid to Make It a Model,” by Todd Shields, Bloomberg News, October 28, 2020.
“Florida Democrats post wide lead in mail-in ballot requests,” by Terry Spencer, Washington Post, September 30, 2020.
“Parkland, hurricanes and Trump shaping Florida Senate race between Rick Scott and Bill Nelson,” by Ledyard King
“Anti-Trump Fervor is Driving Dozens of Florida Women to Run for Office,” by Brittany Shammas,
“Carlos Curbelo, the Republican who's all in on climate change,” by Josh Siegel,
Other:
“The Republican Party,” by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, Civics 101:Podcast, New Hampshire Public Radio, January 28, 2020.
The Purple Line Podcast, Episode 7: “The Evolution of Voting in America,” September 9, 2020.
EPISODE 2: Challenges to Bipartisanship in America, with David Jolly and Patrick Murphy, October 12, 2020.