U.S. Senate
A Year in Smart Politics
A look back at which political institutions were covered the most at Smart Politics in 2013.
Read MorePressler’s In: Can the Political Rip Van Winkle Win?
A Pressler victory in 2014 would give him the record for the longest gap in U.S. Senate service in the direct election era.
Read MoreAdvantage Walsh in Montana US Senate Race? Not So Fast
Appointed U.S. Senators who subsequently run for their seat have been elected only a shade above 50 percent of the time.
Read MoreSteve Stockman’s 12 Percent Solution
Only 4 of 31 Texas U.S. Senate candidacies by sitting or ex-U.S. Representatives have been successful in the direct election era.
Read MoreBob Smith and the 12-Year Itch
With a successful challenge of Jeanne Shaheen in 2014, Smith would tie Dan Coats’ modern mark for the longest gap in U.S. Senate service in the direct election era.
Read MoreBuyer’s Remorse? Franken Loss Would Make History in Minnesota
Minnesotans have never flipped a U.S. Senate seat in back-to-back-to-back elections.
Read MoreAgeless Pressler Eyes Historical Rarity in South Dakota
If elected in 2014, the former U.S. Senator would lay claim to both the youngest and oldest candidate ever elected to the chamber from South Dakota.
Read MoreThad Cochran and the Elusive 7th Term
More than half of the six-term U.S. Senators over the last century did not run for a seventh term, were defeated at the ballot box, or died in office.
Read MoreHow Often Are Female Gubernatorial Nominees Victorious?
Incumbent female governors have won 83 percent of the time, while female challengers have won just six percent of gubernatorial general election contests.
Read MoreIs There a Doctor in the Senate?
Elections in Georgia and Louisiana could bring the number of physicians in the Senate in 2015 to its highest level in 150+ years.
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