Abstract
This study assessed the use of “horse race” and issue experts by fifteen daily newspapers covering seven open races for governor between Labor Day and Election Day 2002. About 38% of stories cited experts. “Horse race” experts were cited in 27% of news stories, while issue experts were cited in 14%. Experts were cited more frequently in 2002 than in a similar study of a 1998 governor's race. Stories by statehouse bureau reporters were more likely than others to cite experts. More prominently displayed stories cited more experts than other stories, as did stories that were more balanced between electoral opponents.
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