Current and future directions in frailty research.

The concept of frailty has been evolving dramatically for the past 30 years. Through its evolution, a variety of single and multidimensional models have been used to describe frailty. This article reviews the current literature related to the defining dimensions of frailty and identifies the gaps in the literature requiring additional research. A detailed literature review was performed to identify key dimensions and models currently being used to define frailty, classify interventions that have been developed to reverse frailty, and identify potential areas for future research within this field. Despite the large body of research defining the dimensions of frailty, no consensus exists on a comprehensive, operational definition. A standardized definition will be critical to design effective interventions at earlier stages along the continuum of frailty and interpret findings from evaluation studies. Identified gaps in the literature include studies supporting the utility of expanding the definition of frailty to incorporate social determinants, studies evaluating the role of obesity in the development of frailty, and the need for longitudinal studies for defining the pathways to developing frailty. This review highlights the need for an accurate definition of frailty and for longitudinal research to explore the development of frailty and evaluate the effectiveness of the frailty reversal interventions that may avert or delay adverse outcomes within this susceptible population. These future research needs are discussed within the context of the growing pressures to bring down health care costs, and the role of comparative effectiveness research and cost-effectiveness research in identifying interventions with the potential to help slow the growth of health care spending among the elderly

Dayton Jumps to Double-Digit Lead Over Emmer

According the latest Minnesota Public Radio News and Humphrey Institute Poll, the Democratic Party’s gubernatorial candidate Mark Dayton has opened an 11 point lead over the Republican Party candidate Tom Emmer, 38% to 27%. This represents a distinct shift from the deadlock that existed at the end of August. The Independence Party candidate is receiving 16% support with 20% remaining undecided.Center for the Study of Politics and Governance, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, UM

The Politics of Economic Uncertainty: Dayton Gains From Current Pain, Emmer Gains From Future Worries

According the latest Minnesota Public Radio News and Humphrey Institute Poll, the extraordinary economic downturn is powerfully impacting Minnesota politics in late September. The astounding 94% of likely voters who believe that the national economy is in poor shape are breaking for the Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mark Dayton over his Republican rival Tom Emmer by 10 points. A similar pattern is evident for voters who report that their own household economic situation is in poor shape. By contrast, Emmer enjoys a 28 point margin (42% to 14%) among voters worried about their family’s future economic conditions. The problem for Emmer is that only 10 percent expect their household situations to worsen over the coming year.Center for the Study of Politics and Governance, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, UM

Rank Choice Voting and the 2013 Minneapolis Elections

Our article in the Star Tribune on February 13, 2014 presents evidence from the 2013 elections in Minneapolis that Rank Choice Voting leaves open voting gap that favors white voters and the affluent. In particular, our statistical analyses of voting results reveals a clear pattern: voters who were more affluent and white turned out at a higher rate, completed their ballots more accurately, and were more likely to use all three opportunities to rank their most preferred candidates compared to voters living in low-income neighborhoods and in communities of color.Center for the Study of Politics and Governance, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, UM

Gubernatorial Toss Up in Bread and Butter Campaign

Governor Tim Pawlenty and Attorney General Mike Hatch are tied in what is shaping up as a classic bread and butter campaign, according to a survey of 1,023 Minnesota voters in the week following the primary. Why the Governor is not in the lead is the big question. He enjoys a number of advantages including high approval ratings and voter satisfaction with the state’s direction and the respect of voters for his handling of the economy. What was expected to be his big liability – the unpopularity of President George Bush – is surprisingly not a factor. Instead, the Governor finds himself locked in a draw because voters are preoccupied with education and health care and Hatch enjoys a commanding advantage on these issues. The survey was conducted between September 13 and 18, 2006. (Primary elections were held on September 12th.)Center for the Study of Politics and Governance, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, UM

Minnesota Contests for Democratic and Republican Presidential Nominations: McCain and Clinton Ahead, Democrats Lead Republicans in Pairings

According to a Minnesota Public Radio News and Humphrey Institute poll conducted between January 20 and January 27, 2008, Republicans are rallying around John McCain’s campaign, while Hillary Clinton holds a more narrow lead among Democrats.Center for the Study of Politics and Governance, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, UM

Minnesota’s Transportation Challenges: Disapproval of Molnau and Division on Gas Tax

Minnesotans are unsettled when it comes to getting the state’s transportation system working, according to a Minnesota Public Radio News and Humphrey Institute poll conducted between January 20 and January 27, 2008.Center for the Study of Politics and Governance, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, UM

Democratic Advantage in Minnesota Legislative Elections and in Defining Budget Mandate, And the Politics of Rage

Minnesota may be an exception to the Republican dominance in 2010. According to the latest Minnesota Public Radio News and Humphrey Institute Poll, Democrats enjoy a 10 point advantage among likely voters in contests for the Minnesota legislature. Although Democrats lead in both the gubernatorial and legislative races, a solid plurality of likely voters prefers to have control over Minnesota government split between the parties.Center for the Study of Politics and Governance, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, UM

Senator Coleman’s Battle for Re-Election: A Tenuous Approval Rating and Franken’s Challenge

Senator Norm Coleman’s bid for re-election faces some challenges even as he remains a formidable candidate, according to a Minnesota Public Radio News and Humphrey Institute poll conducted between January 20 and January 27, 2008.Center for the Study of Politics and Governance, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, UM

Hatch Opens Narrow Lead Over Pawlenty

Even though the race remains too close to call, Attorney General Mike Hatch has opened up a narrow 6 point lead over Governor Tim Pawlenty, 45 percent to 39 percent, with just over a week before Election Day. Independence Party candidate Peter Hutchinson is drawing 9 percent, with 7 percent still undecided. The Humphrey Institute survey of 663 likely Minnesota voters was conducted October 23-28, 2006 and has a 3.8 margin of error.Center for the Study of Politics and Governance, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, UM