Norman J. Ornstein

Doctor of Laws

Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, May 13, 2007

Norman J. Ornstein, a native of Minnesota, received his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Minnesota in 1967. He earned his master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. Currently, he is a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research. He is also an election analyst for CBS News and writes a weekly column called “Congress Inside Out” for Roll Call newspaper. He regularly appears on television programs, including The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, Nightline, and Charlie Rose. He has written for several major publications such as the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and Foreign Affairs. He is considered to be one of the most respected analysts of U.S. political institutions in the country. As a senior counselor to the Continuity of Government Commission, he has worked to ensure that our institutions of government can be maintained in the event of a terrorist attack on Washington. He is the founder of a campaign finance group of scholars and practitioners who helped shape the major law, known as McCain/Feingold. Because of his contributions to the reform of the campaign financing system, Legal Times referred to him as “ a principal drafter of the law.” In addition, he is co-directing an effort called “the Transition to Governing Project,” intended to create a better climate for governing in the era of the permanent campaign. He is a member on the board of several organizations, including the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and is an elected fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is also the author of many books.