DURHAM, N.C. - The following Duke political science professors are available to discuss the career and legacy of U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy, who passed away late Tuesday night:

-- David Rohde, who specializes in legislative politics, says Kennedy, "unlike his brothers, for whom congressional service was a transitory thing, became an archetypical ‘Man of the Senate.' He accomplished a great deal in his career by working with senators at the opposite end of the ideological spectrum, and by being willing to compromise at crucial moments."

-- John Aldrich, who specializes in American politics, says Kennedy was perhaps the most effective senator in at least the last 50 years. "The secret to this success? He was perhaps the most bipartisan partisan, as well. After the death of his brother Bobby, Ted Kennedy became the heart and soul of the Democratic Party for at least the next quarter century."

-- Paula McClain, whose expertise includes race and politics, says Kennedy "was the conscience of the Democratic Party and of the larger American society on the need for fairness, helping those in need, and removing barriers that have stymied the process of racial groups across the country. His influence nationally and in the Senate, in particular, will be sorely missed."