Dr. Eric Ostermeier

Recent Articles

Smart Politics: Mandela Barnes Seeks Electoral First
Smart Politics

Mandela Barnes Seeks Electoral First

No sitting or former lieutenant governor has won a U.S. Senate election in state history.

Smart Politics: History Suggests Ron Kind Will Win Reelection
Smart Politics

History Suggests Ron Kind Will Win Reelection

Democratic congressman faces rematch against Derrick Van Orden. Just 15% of such efforts have succeeded since 1848 in Wisconsin.

Smart Politics: Godlewski Seeks An Electoral First
Smart Politics

Godlewski Seeks An Electoral First

No state treasurer in Wisconsin history has won a race for U.S. Senate.

Smart Politics: Evers Faces Daunting Odds In 2022
Smart Politics

Evers Faces Daunting Odds In 2022

Democrats have lost 32 of the last 33 elections for governor when the president was a Democrat.

Smart Politics: Wisconsin Is America’s Plurality King
Smart Politics

Wisconsin Is America’s Plurality King

Biden won state with less than a majority, the 14th such result for Wisconsin, the nation’s leader.

Smart Politics: High Court Race 4th Closest in State History
Smart Politics

High Court Race 4th Closest in State History

Hagedorn’s margin of 0.495% is tighter than 121 of 125 state Supreme Court races since 1850s.

Smart Politics:  Democrats’ Sweep of Statewide Offices Is Rare
Smart Politics

Democrats’ Sweep of Statewide Offices Is Rare

First time since 1982, only third time in more than 125 years.

Smart Politics: History Favors Walker’s Reelection
Smart Politics

History Favors Walker’s Reelection

Two-thirds of 20th century U.S. candidates attempting a fourth consecutive gubernatorial win succeeded.

Smart Politics: Ryan’s Open House Seat Sets State Record
Smart Politics

Ryan’s Open House Seat Sets State Record

Wisconsin has open House seat for fifth consecutive election, first time in history.

Smart Politics: Dallet Would Make History If Elected
Smart Politics

Dallet Would Make History If Elected

6 of 7 state Supreme Court members would be women, highest percentage in American history.

Smart Politics: History Gives Walker Slim Odds to Win
Smart Politics

History Gives Walker Slim Odds to Win

State voters rarely elect a gubernatorial candidate whose party holds the presidency.

Smart Politics: Sensenbrenner Could Break State Record
Smart Politics

Sensenbrenner Could Break State Record

If reelected would beat David Obey’s record of nearly 42 years as state congressman.

Smart Politics: Dan Kohl Race Could Be Historic
Smart Politics

Dan Kohl Race Could Be Historic

If he beat incumbent Glenn Grothman, would equal precedent last set in 1892.

Smart Politics: Evers vs. Walker Would Be Historic Race
Smart Politics

Evers vs. Walker Would Be Historic Race

One of few times in history two incumbent state officials oppose each other.