Posts by Dr. Eric Ostermeier
Crowded 2014 South Dakota US Senate Field Ties State Records
This cycle finds the Mount Rushmore State equaling historical marks for the most U.S. Senate candidates qualifying for the ballot as well as the most Republicans (or candidates from any party) in a primary race.
Read MoreChoices, Choices: South Dakota Voters Get Rare Options in 2014 US Senate Race
It has been more than 80 years since South Dakotans had so many candidates from which to choose in a U.S. Senate election.
Read MoreFoley vs Malloy II? A History of Connecticut Gubernatorial Rematches
It has been 72 years since the last time a gubernatorial candidate was victorious in a rematch election in the Nutmeg State; only two have had the opportunity since.
Read MoreBennie’s Little Blunder
When asked for specifics in an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash explaining his earlier remarks that much of the opposition to President Obama’s policies was based on the color of his skin, 11-term Mississippi U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson stated, “I’ve…
Read MoreCutler vs LePage II: A History of Maine Gubernatorial Rematches
Second place gubernatorial candidates have had 21 rematch opportunities in Maine history, but none since 1930; only five have won with the last coming in 1852.
Read MoreHistoric Gubernatorial Rematch Looming in Colorado
Tom Tancredo must first survive a competitive GOP primary; if he does he’ll get the first crack at a gubernatorial rematch in Rocky Mountain State history.
Read MoreCould Terry Branstad Lose?
Sitting Republican governors have won reelection 90 percent of the time they have appeared on the general election ballot in the Hawkeye State.
Read MoreWhich 1-Term US Senator Will Fall in 2014?
First-term Senators account for more than half of all defeated incumbents over the last century; at least one 1-term U.S. Senator has lost reelection in all but four of the 50 election cycles in the direct election era.
Read MoreRespect Your Elders?
With retirement announcements this year by veteran U.S. Representatives such as 30-term Democrat John Dingell of Michigan, 20-term Democrat George Miller of California, and 18-term Republican Tom Petri of Wisconsin, it is no surprise that retirees from the 113th Congress…
Read MoreSmall Club in St. Paul
Mark Dayton is one of just three Minnesotans ever elected to three different statewide offices. Dayton, of course, had previously served as State Auditor (1991-1995) and U.S. Senator (2001-2007) before winning the governorship in 2010. At that time, he joined…
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