Posts by Dr. Eric Ostermeier
Paulsen’s Pathway? Minnesota Senators Who First Served in the House
Will he or won’t he? Until we know for sure, here is a profile of the nine U.S. Senators from the Gopher State who previously served in the nation’s lower legislative chamber.
Read MoreGrassley and Harkin Become #5 Longest-Serving Senate Duo
At 28 years and counting, Iowa’s U.S. Senate delegation has served longer than all but four other pairs and has notched the second-longest period among members of different parties.
Read MoreThe Top Five Smart Politics Reports of 2012
A look back at a few of the most illuminating, odd, and controversial reports published by Smart Politics this year.
Read MoreCould Cory Booker Oust Frank Lautenberg?
Only 1 of 25 New Jersey U.S. Senate incumbents have lost their renomination bids since the state’s first direct election in 1916.
Read MoreWalter Mondale’s Recommendations for Filibuster Reform
What rules could be introduced in the Senate to ensure the filibuster is no longer a ‘strategy for hijacking’ the chamber and ‘demoralizing the country?’
Read More412 US Senators Who Served with Daniel Inouye
The late Senator from Hawaii served with 218 Democrats, 189 Republicans, and five independents and those from third parties; more Minnesotans served with Inouye than Senators from any other state (14).
Read MoreHouse Democrats Issue Statements on Connecticut Massacre at 4x Rate of GOPers
While 27 percent of House Democrats issued official press releases on the Newtown, Connecticut murders, only 6 percent of Republicans did so and no GOPer mentioned the word ‘gun’ in their statements.
Read MoreMore than Half of Senators in 113th Congress First Served in House
Six new faces entering the Senate in January served in the House and 51 overall; Hawaii, Virginia, and Massachusetts have the highest all-time rate of choosing Senators with House experience.
Read MoreRick Snyder 2014: Michigan Governors Win Reelection at 77% Rate
Gubernatorial incumbents from Michigan are victorious more than three-fourths of the time in general election bids with Republican incumbents at more than 80%.
Read MoreTim Kaine: Another Minnesota Export?
Two Minnesota-born U.S. Senators have been elected to seats outside of the Gopher State over the last two cycles.
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