By the time the 2000 convention in Los Angeles kicks off, most of the major issues will be long decided, said Ray Scheele, a political science professor and a first-time national delegate.

"Conventions have undergone a major change over the last few decades," Scheele said. "Most of the issues are settled before the national convention, which is basically a time to rally the troops and prepare for the fall campaign.

"Today's conventions are designed for media coverage and maximum exposure," he said. "Right now the only issue is the potential running mate for Al Gore."

The 2000 Democratic National Convention is scheduled for Aug.14-17 at Staples Center in Los Angeles. It is expected to bring more than 35,000 visitors. The last time Los Angeles hosted a Democratic Convention was in 1960 when John F. Kennedy was nominated as the Democratic candidate for president.

Scheele is the chair for the 2nd U.S. Congressional District and a member of the Indiana State Central Committee. He was selected as a delegate June 11 at the post-primary district caucuses at the state convention.

Ball State faculty and students have participated in several national party presidential conventions in the past, videotaping interviews with political leaders for later use in the classroom.

Sally Jo Vasicko, political science professor, will lead a group of Ball State students to the Republican Party national convention July 30 to Aug. 3 in Philadelphia.

Scheele, the first Ball State political science professor to serve as a national delegate, believes the convention experience will enhance his teaching skills and plans to update case studies about national conventions.

"It will be a very different experience because I will be on the floor close to the action and can relate that to my students," he said. "I'll be able to learn a great deal about what happens on the floor by simply talking to others."

While the experience of attending a national convention may be invaluable to an experienced educator, it may hold little excitement for most college-age Americans, Scheele said.

Recent studies have found that young people have little interest in politics. The causes for disinterest include a strong economy and distaste for political bickering between the parties, he said.

"Young people across the board are disengaged from the political process because they don't see a relevance to their daily lives," Scheele said. "Young people believe they are getting along just fine without participating in government.

"I think we'll see a little more interest this year because it is a presidential election year, but it will drop significantly after the election in November," he said.

By Marc Ransford, Communications Manager

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Scheele by e-mail at rscheele@wp.bsu.edu or by phone at (765) 285-8780. )