Posts by Dr. Eric Ostermeier
Democrats Dominating Minnesota Politics in Historic Fashion
All partisan statewide offices in Minnesota have been won by Democrats for two consecutive cycles for the first time in history.
Read MoreEnd of an Era: Grassley/Harkin Finish #3 for US Senate Delegation Service
The Iowa duo ends up with the bronze medal for serving alongside each other in the chamber for 30 years.
Read MoreHome Sweet Home: How Many US Senators Serve Their Birth State?
Over the last 100 years, more U.S. Senators were born in Ohio than any other state; over 96 percent of Ohio U.S. Senators were born in the Buckeye State.
Read MoreHome Field Advantage?
When the 114th Congress convenes in a few days, Maine will be represented by one home-grown U.S. Representative: Waterville-born Republican Bruce Poliquin. With the departure of Millinocket-born Mike Michaud, who launched a failed gubernatorial bid, the Pine Tree State was…
Read MoreSeeing Red
Congressman Nick Rahall’s failed bid for a 20th term in West Virginia this cycle, combined with a narrow loss by Nick Casey to Alex Mooney in Shelley Moore Capito’s open seat, means that West Virginia Democrats will be shut out…
Read MoreA Year in Smart Politics
A look back at some of the reports that made headlines from Smart Politics in 2014.
Read MoreA Year in Smart Politics
A look back at some of the reports that made headlines from Smart Politics in 2014.
Read MoreBlue Islands in a Red Sea
Democratic gubernatorial winning streaks against the GOP have set or matched record highs in New Hampshire, Oregon, Washington, and California.
Read MoreThe Short Half-Life of a First-Term US Senator
Three fell in 2014 and more than half of all defeated U.S. Senators over the last 100 years have been in their first term; at least one first-term incumbent has lost reelection in 47 of the 51 election cycles during the direct election era.
Read MoreDid Jeb Bush Wait Too Long to Run for President?
It has been 150+ years since the last time there was a 14-year gap between a presidential candidate’s last legislative or executive office electoral victory and a successful White House campaign.
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