"That blog isn't called Smart Politics for nothing."
- POLITICO


"Smart Politics is by far the best Minnesota political blog.
I check it every day and encounter much good information
and analysis that I can get nowhere else."

- Steven E. Schier
Dorothy H. and Edward C. Congdon
Professor of Political Science
Carleton College

About the Blog

Smart Politics is the blog of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. Smart Politics provides thoughtful, data-driven, non-partisan analysis of public policy and statewide and district elections for Upper Midwestern and national politics. Smart Politics is an on-line extension of the wide array of public events and programs convened by the Center to promote an informed and engaged citizenry. The Center also curates the largest on-line collection of Upper Midwestern public opinion and historical election results.

Blog author

Eric J. Ostermeier, Ph.D., J.D.

Eric Ostermeier

Smart Politics is authored and monitored 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 leading national publications such as Politico, The New York Times, National Journal, CQ Politics, The New Republic, The Washington Post, Christian Science Monitor, U.S. News & World Report, National Review, and The Washington Times.

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 MinnPost, Minnesota Public Radio, The Minnesota Independent, WCCO, and Politics in Minnesota.

True to its non-partisan credo, Smart Politics' fact-based research has also been cited in leading national news outlets and blogs both on the left (Huffington Post, Daily Kos, Crooks and Liars, Talking Points Memo) as well as the right (HotAir, The American Spectator, American Thinker).

Credits

Smart Politics was redesigned in Summer 2008 by Graham Lampa.

Smart Politics header image of the Minnesota State Capital courtesy of flickr user tboard and used under a Creative Commons license.

Smart Politics logo by Heidi Sandstad, Graphic Designer.

Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs