Arguably, two of the nation's most visible political analysts are coming to Michigan on behalf of MSU's Michigan Political Leadership Program.

James Carville and Tucker Carlson, two co-hosts of CNN's "Crossfire," will speak at the Laurel Manor in Livonia on March 4 and the Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids on March 5 for fund-raising events that will benefit the program.

Shannon Horvath, program administrator for the Michigan Political Leadership Program, said the program is geared toward people already in the workforce who dream of becoming political leaders in Michigan.

"We train and inspire tomorrow's political leaders," she said. "Our program is one of only a handful in the country."

Horvath said the program begins on Feb. 20, and of about 100 applicants, only 24 can be selected for the fully paid fellowships. Selected participants meet one weekend a month for 10 months and are paid $12,000.

Horvath said the program is in its tenth year and participants chosen sometimes vary in age from their early 20s to retirees.

The program consists of teaching participants how to run for office and how to handle political situations, such as balancing a budget, campaigning, leadership development and effective governance.

The program, administered by MSU's Institute for Public Policy and Social Research, is similar to another program recently launched by the institute called "Tomorrow's Political Leaders."

The only difference between the two methods is that "Tomorrow's Political Leaders" is geared toward upperclassmen and recent graduates who are about to enter the workforce, Horvath said.

She added that bringing high-profile speakers like Carville and Carlson boosts the program's recognition.

"People are really excited about seeing these two," she said.

In previous years, the program lured well-known politicians such as 2000 Democratic presidential candidate Bill Bradley and former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo.

Horvath said about 100 alumni are currently serving in elected or appointed offices.

Neither Carville nor Carlson could be reached for comment on Wednesday.

University spokesman Terry Denbow said the program has gained national recognition quickly.

"The program has really taken off," he said. "This is a wonderful example of an area where a land-grant university can perform a valuable public service."

Political theory and constitutional democracy senior Jeremy Daltiaz recently ran for a seat on the Southgate city council and unofficially lost by one vote.

Daltiaz said he applied for a fellowship and is anxiously awaiting to see if he was accepted into the program.

"It will be extremely worthwhile," he said. "It will help me prepare for the next election,