Sylvia Masters

Consequences Sylvia Masters

Leigh Nalley, leading Presidential contender, announces he will remain 'in seclusion' during the convention. A photo-journalist stakes out the candidate's residence; story and photos of Nalley leaving the city with an unknown woman set the convention in turmoil. The disastrous results of Nalley's departure comprise the action of the novel. How much does the public have the right to know about the candidates? Where do you draw the line between "freedon of the press" and the "rights of privacy"? Should the media narrate the story of the campaign, or become part of the story?Public and press may disagree on answers but readers will thank Masters for raising them. Darryl Paulson, Professor of Political Science, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg Campus