Last fall found two rockers and a hip-hop star heading to college campuses to share their knowledge with students. Now two former U.S. senators—victims of the anti-incumbent climate of November’s midterm elections—are bound for academe.
Russ Feingold of Wisconsin and Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, both Democrats, are the latest in a long line of politicians to head to college after being voted out of office.
Mr. Feingold, best known for his work with Sen. John McCain on campaign finance reform, will teach a course this spring at Marquette University called “Current Political Issues: the U.S. Senate,” according to the Associated Press.
Mr. Specter, who once chaired the Senate subcommittee that oversees higher education, will teach a course about the relationship between Congress and the Supreme Court at the University of Pennsylvania. Apart from his controversial decision to switch parties in 2009, Mr. Specter is best known for his participation in 14 Supreme Court confirmation hearings, in which his relentless questioning and wit earned him the nickname “Snarlin’ Arlen.”
Also headed to the classroom is Colorado’s departing governor, Bill Ritter, who opted not to run for re-election last year in light of weak poll ratings and strained relations with some factions of his party. Mr. Ritter will return to his alma mater—Colorado State University—to head the Center for the New Energy Economy, according to the Associated Press. He will be teaching at least one class at the university’s School of Global Environmental Sustainability.
On a related note, President Obama’s former top economic adviser, Lawrence Summers, returns to Harvard University this semester, as the White House had announced he would. Mr. Summers was appointed and not elected, but his resignation came amid political pressure from both sides during the slow economic recovery.
Know of any other ex-politicians entering academe this year? If so, let us know in the comments. —Derek Quizon
