August 2015 - Smart Politics

Which State Is the Most Western in Presidential Elections?

By Dr. Eric Ostermeier | August 31, 2015 |

Montana has voted in concert with the region overall at a higher rate than any other Western state; Hawaii has done so the least.

Jeopardy! Footprints of the 2016 GOP Presidential Field

By Dr. Eric Ostermeier | August 28, 2015 |

Trump has been mentioned on the game show three-dozen times more than the next closest GOP rival and more than 13 GOP candidates combined.

Will Heidi Heitkamp Attempt a Gubernatorial Comeback?

By Dr. Eric Ostermeier | August 25, 2015 |

Just two of 15 failed North Dakota gubernatorial candidates won on a subsequent run at the office – none have tried since 1972.

Joe Biden and a Brief History of VPs Running for President

By Dr. Eric Ostermeier | August 24, 2015 |

Only one sitting vice president has been elected to the presidency over the last 175 years; seven others have tried and failed.

Chipping In: Recommended Donation Levels on 2016 Presidential Campaign Websites

By Dr. Eric Ostermeier | August 14, 2015 |

Suggested donations range from $3 to $5,400 with Hillary Clinton asking supporters for the most modest contributions and Ben Carson the most generous.

Will Mark Kirk Win Elusive Second Term for the GOP?

By Dr. Eric Ostermeier | August 12, 2015 |

Only three of a dozen Illinois Republicans who were elected or appointed to the U.S. Senate over the last century went on to serve another term in the chamber.

Shuler vs Burr Would Yield Rare Matchup in 2016 North Carolina US Senate Race

By Dr. Eric Ostermeier | August 10, 2015 |

The potential 2016 matchup would be the first among sitting or former ex-U.S. Representatives from North Carolina in 98 years, while Shuler would be the first such Democrat to run for a Senate seat since 1972.

Tale of the Tape at the GOP Debate

By Dr. Eric Ostermeier | August 7, 2015 |

Trump and Bush received more than their equal share of speaking time while the rest of the field was shortchanged.

Frontrunning: Unequal Speaking Time at Republican Presidential Debates

By Dr. Eric Ostermeier | August 6, 2015 |

Mitt Romney received nearly five extra minutes above his proportional share of face time across the 2012 debates while no other candidate ended up on the plus side of the moderator’s stopwatch.