Henrik Schatzinger

• Ph.D., Political Science, University of Georgia
• M.A., Political Science, University of Kansas
• B.A., Political Science, University of Kiel, Germany

My areas of specialization are campaigns and campaign finance, as well as the role of interest groups and lobbying in American politics. I study the interplay between money, political participation, and influence, and I focus on how these forces shape public policy and private-sector strategy.

Here are some of the courses I teach: POL 140 American Politics and Government, POL 222 Media, Politics, and Personal Power, POL 223 Interest Groups and Money in American Politics, POL 226 Business and Politics: Strategies Beyond Markets, POL 324 Campaigns and Elections, POL 335 Congress and the Presidency, and POL 341 American Public Policy: Process, Promise, and Performance.

A focus on practical application is central to my teaching. My courses move beyond theory through simulations, role play exercises, and policy or strategy memos. These assignments ask students to develop solutions to complex problems such as building a lobbying coalition, managing a crisis response, or making a persuasive case for a business. I believe that this hands-on approach helps students develop the advanced decision-making and communication skills essential for careers in law, business, and public service. I was honored to receive Ripon College’s May Bumby Severy Award for excellence in teaching.

My forthcoming book, Super PACs in the City: How Outside Money is Reshaping Local Elections (Cambridge University Press), shows that independent expenditures can meaningfully increase candidates’ vote shares in city council, mayoral, and school board elections. My next book project, tentatively titled Street Rules: How Public Financing Adapts and Builds Trust in Local Elections, explores the effectiveness of local campaign finance reforms. I am co-author of Game Changers: How Super PACs and Dark Money are Transforming U.S. Campaigns (Rowman & Littlefield).

As director of the Center for Politics and the People (CPP) at Ripon College, I convene and moderate public forums on critical political issues. Since taking over as CPP director in 2016, we have hosted more than 120 events featuring nearly 300 speakers and panelists, connecting students and the community with prominent political, business, and civic leaders. Many Center events are live-streamed on WisconsinEye.

I serve as a political analyst for state, national, and international media. My television commentary includes BBC News, C-SPAN, Spectrum News, and WBAY-TV, and full-length programs on WisconsinEye. My regular print and online interviews include outlets such as Newsweek, NPR Throughline, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, La Libre (Belgium), and Jiji Press (Japan). I also do radio interviews for various stations, including Wisconsin Public Radio.

I give invited talks on American politics, covering topics such as political polarization, campaign finance (particularly on the role of Super PACs and dark money), interest group strategy, corporate political strategy, and democratic resilience.