About the author

Smart Politics is authored by Eric J. Ostermeier (Ph.D., University of Minnesota, Department of Political Science, 2006; J.D., The University of Michigan Law School, 1995), Research Associate at the Humphrey School's Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.

Dr. Ostermeier's research at Smart Politics has been featured in dozens of national and international publications and media outlets such as ABC News, Associated Press, The Atlantic, CBS News, Christian Science Monitor, Comedy Central, Congressional Quarterly, Daily Beast, Daily Caller, The Economist, FOX News, Governing, The Guardian, The Hill, Investor's Business Daily, Libération, MSNBC, Ms. Magazine, National Journal, National Public Radio, National Review, NBC News, New Republic, News Hour, Newsweek, New York Times, Political Wire, POLITICO, Pravda, Reuters, Slate, Time, UPI, USA Today, U.S. News & World Report, Washington Post, Washington Times, and the Wall Street Journal.

Dr. Ostermeier's reports at Smart Politics have become a staple for local news outlets across the country seeking original, data-based reporting and political analysis such as the Anchorage Daily News, Atlanta Journal Constitution, Austin American-Statesman, Bangor Daily News, Charleston Daily Mail, Charlotte News & Observer, Denver Post, Des Moines Register, Detroit Free Press, Detroit News, Houston Chronicle, Idaho Statesman, Indianapolis Star, Kansas City Star, Las Vegas Review Journal, Miami Herald, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Minneapolis Star Tribune, Minnesota Public Radio, New York Daily News, New York Magazine, New York Observer, Oregonian, Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Sacramento Bee, Seattle Times, Spokesman-Review, and Washington Examiner.

True to its non-partisan credo, Smart Politics' fact-based reporting has been cited in leading national news outlets and blogs from the left (Daily Kos, Huffington Post, Mother Jones, The Nation, Talking Points Memo), to the right (American Spectator, American Thinker, The Blaze, Frum Forum, Hannity, Hot Air, Neil Boortz, Rush Limbaugh, Town Hall), and in outlets promoting alternative parties (Ballot Access News, Independent Political Report, Reason, Third Party and Independent Daily).

Seasoned Senators in Wisconsin

May 2, 2013

Of the 15 men and women that have served in the U.S. Senate from Wisconsin since popular vote elections were introduced a century ago, Ron Johnson and Tammy Baldwin rank among the oldest upon first entering the chamber. Johnson began his tenure at the age of 55 years, 8 months, and 26 days in January 2011, which is the oldest of any elected Wisconsin Senator during this popular vote era. The next oldest, Alexander Wiley, was more than one year younger when he took his seat in 1939 (54 years, 7 months, 8 days). Tammy Baldwin comes in at #6 being 50 years, 10 months, and 23 days when she took office in January of this year. The youngest elected Senator from the Badger State was Robert La Follette, Jr. at 30 years, 7 months, and 24 days (1925) when he took the seat of his legendary deceased father.

Party Like It's 1986?

March 27, 2013

Tim Johnson's retirement opens up an opportunity for Republicans to gain control of both U.S. Senate seats in South Dakota for the first time since the convening of the 100th Congress in January 1987 (Tom Daschle ousted incumbent GOPer James Abdnor in the 1986 election). South Dakota is currently tied with Nevada and Washington for the 22nd longest streak in the nation since Republicans held both Senate seats at 26+ years. Neighboring North Dakota has the 13th longest streak (August 1960) with three states last seeing a GOP hold on both seats in the 1800s: Louisiana (November 1872), Florida (March 1875), and Arkansas (March 1885).

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The Top 50 Longest-Serving Governors of All Time

Seasoned Senators in Wisconsin

Party Like It's 1986?

SMART POLITICS ACROSS THE 50 STATES