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

Dr. Ostermeier's research at Smart Politics has appeared in dozens of national publications and media outlets such as ABC News, Atlantic Monthly, CBS News, Christian Science Monitor, Congressional Quarterly, Daily Caller, FOX News, Governing Magazine, The Hill, Investor's Business Daily, MSNBC, NBC News, Ms. Magazine, National Journal, National Public Radio, National Review, New Republic, Newsweek, New York Times, Political Wire, POLITCO, Slate, Time, UPI, USA Today, U.S. News & World Report, Washington Post, Washington Times, and the Wall Street Journal.

Smart Politics is now a staple for original reporting and political analysis statewide in Minnesota and Dr. Ostermeier is frequently cited in news outlets such as Minnesota Public Radio, MinnPost, and Politics in Minnesota.

Dr. Ostermeier's research has also appeared in numerous news outlets across the country such as the Anchorage Daily News, Atlanta Journal Constitution, Bangor Daily News, Charleston Daily Mail, Charlotte News & Observer, Denver Post, Des Moines Register, Detroit Free Press, Detroit News, Idaho Statesman, Kansas City Star, New York Magazine, New York Observer, Oregonian, Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Sacramento Bee, and Seattle Times.

Smart Politics reporting has also been cited in international publications such as The Guardian (UK), Libération (France), and Pravda (Slovakia).

True to its non-partisan credo, Smart Politics' fact-based research 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, Frum Forum, Hot Air, Town Hall), and in outlets promoting alternative parties (Ballot Access News, Independent Political Report, Reason, Third Party and Independent Daily).