The Distinguished Speaker Series will host former Democratic presidential hopeful Howard Dean, at 8 tonight in Eisenhower Auditorium.

Dean is the group's second speaker of the year.

During his tenure as Vermont governor, from 1991 to 2002, Dean was known for his support of policies such as child support collections and increases in women and minorities in prominent positions.

Since the presidential primaries, Dean has formed Democracy for America, an organization focused on building progressive politics by supporting other socially progressive and fiscally responsible politicians and policies.

"I don't really know what to expect. ... Obviously Howard Dean isn't at the top of the [Democratic] ticket," said Tom Hesketh, Center for the Performing Arts events manager.

"But I'm still expecting a very nice turnout," he added.

Matt Midles, Distinguished Speakers Committee chair, said he has a more optimistic expectation for tonight's turnout.

"It's practically unavoidable that we will sell out completely," he said.

Though the topics of Dean's speech were not submitted in advance, many expect his candidacy in the Democratic primaries to be the main subject.

"I expect him to talk about his experiences in the politics of running for president," College Democrats President Megan Green said.

"A lot of students rooted for him in the primaries and relate to him," she added.

"... It is great that the university brought in someone a lot of students admire."

Midles, who will introduce Dean, said he has no idea what Dean will talk about, but also expects his political influence on the Democratic primaries to be a major topic.

"His impact on the Democratic primary race was huge," he said.

"With so many figures in that race, how many of them can almost every American still recall a week before the election?" he asked.

Political science professor James Eisenstein said Dean's speech topic would be "predictable."

"It's really hard to be original when you are making campaign speeches all over," he said.

"He will try to stir up people attracted by his candidacy and solidify them behind [Sen. John] Kerry," he added.

College Republicans Chairman Andy Banducci said he did not expect Dean's speech to affect the student body's voting.

"I'm sure he'll try to push Kerry on people ... but the truth is he is out of Penn State values and Pennsylvania values," he said.

Banducci also said his organization, as well as other students, will support President George W. Bush at the event -- not Dean.

"I don't like to call it a protest but we will absolutely be supporting our conservative values and the president ... and showing that we don't support John Kerry or Howard Dean," he said.