Why is Feingold losing?

[Nikki Stone1]

There is no reason incumbent Russ Feingold should be losing. Can anyone in his district explain to me what is happening?

[Jefferson23]

1. I'm not from his state, but he does need help. Ironically his opponent

is guilty of doing what supposedly his supporters don't want to see in Washington.

SNIP* To be clear, while it may not be the backbone of his funding, some of the very bailout money that Ron Johnson has criticized is now funding his campaign.


What makes Feingold's deficit all the stranger is that Feingold has not committed what is shaping up to be this campaign season's original sin: he didn't vote for the Troubled Asset Relief Program. He's since voted to end it twice. He's the author of the Control Spending Now Act, which would take unspent Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) funds and use them to pay down the deficit."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/22/strange-days-t...


This will be a huge loss for Democrats if it happens.

[Nikki Stone1]

2. The party should be helping Feingold

I get the impression that they are letting him twist in the wind.

[Jefferson23]

7. I hope that's not true, but I share the same impression as you.

Feingold link:

http://russfeingold.org/



John Nichols: Ron Johnson's got a plan for ‘creative destruction' of Wisconsin jobs

http://host.madison.com/ct/news/opinion/column/john_nichols/article_cf2f8e8c-c6a2-11df-b3f2-001cc4c002e0.html

on edit for clarity.

[Nikki Stone1]

9. I am going to send him something.

He's a guy we can't lose.

Meanwhile, Biden will be out there working non-stop for Blanche Lincoln. (The White House also made sure that Blanche's district got lots of Recovery Act money from USDA back in the summer. They pushed USDA to fund a ton of projects in Arkansas.)

[gateley]

30. I know it's kind of OT, but why on fucking earth are we out there helping a back-

stabber like Lincoln?!?! And nobody helping Feingold? That is SO WRONG! I'm going to e-mail Biden now and tell him to go help Russ!

[Tarheel_Dem]

34. Since we're OT, do we know that Feingold has asked Biden or the WH for help?

He's spent much of the last two years distancing himself, so we probably shouldn't make assumptions as to why Russ might not be getting the help you say he needs. :hi:

Russ was cheered here as a truth teller, especially when he opposed the White House, so the "true progressives" will have to rally around him now, and pull him through to victory. As to why he's in trouble, in his home state, might be a slight miscalculation of his own making.

[gateley]

41. No -- I didn't even think about if the candidates asked for help. I assumed (I know)

that the WH decided who to swoop in and support. Come to think of it, that approach might have terrible consequences...

I know Feingold doesn't march in lock-step (which is why we love him), so it would make sense if he was still trying to be his 'own guy' and not ride on the WH's coattails, so to speak.

Thanks for your logical, sane response! :hi:

[hendo]

43. There was actually an article in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal a couple weeks back

that said Feingold's best chances are to distance himself as much as possible from Obama. Obama isn't very popular in Wisconsin right now.

He is being painted pretty negatively in ads as being a supporter of Obama.

[Tarheel_Dem]

46. There ya go!

There are places in the country where Obama will be able to help, and others where he might even hurt the candidate. Requests for help should come from the candidate, and should not be SOP if it might damage that candidate's chances.

I saw immediately where this thread was headed. Folks are already lining up to blame the WH if Russ loses, for whatever reason. If Russ needed help, I have no doubt the president would be there, lickety split.

[Nikki Stone1]

47. So Obama's negative apron strings are to blame.

Hmmm

[hendo]

60. That seems to be the story here in South Milwaukee.

Then again, I can only speak for what the Journal-Sentinel publishes on Sundays when I get the paper for Packers games.

[Nikki Stone1]

61. It's probably enough

.

[NoNothing]

62. wow, small world

Feel like taking a walk down 7 bridges.

[hendo]

70. Wasted my day at the Sprecher birthday party

it really sucked.

[Nikki Stone1]

36. Lincoln was the candidate that the White House really helped

The USDA Recovery Act money was trumpeted as Lincoln bringing home the bacon, but the WH pushed USDA to get the $$$ out and fast.

[notesdev]

44. It's very much on topic I would say

And the answer to your question is that from the point of view of the people handing out the money, Lincoln is the loyalist and Feingold the backstabber.

I'd say the next question is "who are these guys and why do they get to make these decisions" which will lead you to yet another decrepit institution, still running on inertia but totally unable to adapt itself to the requirements of the modern era.

[Radical Activist]

49. Obama has made trips to Wisconsin recently.

I'm sure the decision to visit WI wasn't a coincidence.

[BrklynLiberal]

8. Somehow,. I think you are right....and they will all live to regret this.

[Nikki Stone1]

13. They're going crazy trying to keep Blanche Lincoln in office but

they are ignoring Feingold entirely. I think the choice of whom to support is ideological.

[speppin]

29. Obama will be here next Wed for a fundraiser for him ( I

think the fundraiser is for him). He will be in Madison.

[Nikki Stone1]

35. Do you have a link?

Thanks

[Radical Activist]

50. Obama has been making regular trips to WI.

Not so much to Arkansas.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/plum-line/2010/09/obama_heading_to_wisconsin_--.html

[speppin]

54. He will be at the Libray Mall in the afternoon on the UWisc campus

I heard it on the radio.

[Uzybone]

27. lets not start blaming other democrats now

if he loses its on him and the idiot constituents who voted a fine senator out of office.

[dragonlady]

51. Michelle Obama is coming in October for Feingold fundraiser

That will fire up the base in Milwaukee.

Thank you for helping Russ!

[undeterred]

55. Pres. Obama is coming to Madison on Tuesday

and Michelle is coming specifically to help Feingold in October. Biden held a fundraiser for Feingold in Milwaukee not long ago.

This is a 50:50 state, not a blue state. Feingold does get Republican voters. It would be a shame to lose to the empty suit just because of misplaced voter anger. Another arrogant inexperienced rich guy in Washington certainly isn't going to represent the people of Wisconsin better than Feingold does.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

64. No, Obama is doing a rally in Madison on Tuesday.

[stray cat]

3. Progressive values doesn't protect an incumbent from voter anger

[Radical Activist]

10. Two terms usually does.

That's enough time for voters to get to know you. Wisconsin isn't a red state. If a two term incumbent Senator is having that much trouble then there's something he's doing wrong beyond being progressive. Tom Harkin has an easier time in Iowa, which leans more Republican than Wisconsin. Does Feingold not spend enough time back home?

[Scuba]

24. Russ has had "listening sessions" in each...

...of Wisconsin's 72 counties every year since he was first elected. He's definately spending time with Wisconsin voters.

[undeterred]

57. And he has excellent constituent services.

I know nobody can run on that, but his offices are very responsive to the concerns and problems of all constituents. You need help from the government and you aren't getting it and you live in WI- his office is at your service. Nobody deserves the term "public servant" more than Russ Feingold.

[Jefferson23]

11. Progressive values? The idiots supporting Feingold's opponent

don't seem to realize who is supporting his campaign.

Feingold must get that message out there, he needs help via other Democratic political reps, this isn't just about money.

[xchrom]

4. I'll only say this: Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa have changed

In ways I don't much recognize any more.

[Zoeisright]

39. No kidding. Native Minnesotan here, and I really hate repukes in this state.

I also hate that liberals vote for the Green candidate, which gives the repuke the win. That's the only way that Pawlenty (R-killed 13 in the 35W bridge collapse) weaseled his cross-eyed way into office.

[yourout]

5. $$$$$$$$$

And lots of it.

The airways have been polluted with Johnson's BS for months.

[ThomWV]

6. For one thing he won't accept large donations.

[Blue Owl]

12. I think the M$M is lying

Just a hunch, given who owns the rotten M$M.

Feingold is like the Wellstone of today -- the corrupt GOP will do anything to stop Russ from winning.

Stay safe and kick ass, Russ...

[librechik]

14. I'm not from WI, but I know voter suppression is going on in student districts

[andym]

15. Because self-described conservatives are in a near-majority in WI and uniformly oppose him

Take a look:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=433&topic_id=449845&mesg_id=452790

and the polling data:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=433&topic_id=449845&mesg_id=449867

[pscot]

16. I'm a low information Feingold supporter

(mainly because I don't live there) and I have very little info about the man. I hear he's a big Liberal Stalwart, but whenever I notice him he seems to be working aginst the Democrats. This is too subtle for the average independent (confused) voter who might be inclined to vote Democratic.

[madrchsod]

22. i wanted him to run for president.

he`s one of the best senators we have in this country. it would be a disaster for wisconsin and the nation if he lost

[EC]

17. A lot of fundie churches have moved in here in the last

20 years..they build large mega churches out by the highways in the county, then "Christian" contractors buy up farmland and turn them into sub-divisions (which are pretty much fundy because those mega churches are the only places to go in those areas)then they become voting districts and walla - you have a whole repubie sub-division - with their own district and representation...and they have exploded around here...

[Jefferson23]

20. Wow, that is not good news. n/t

[EC]

32. It's really depressing

and makes it a hard battle...writing to the voice of the people in the paper every month, hoping something gets through...these sub-divisions are not the easiest to campaign, since most are built in rural areas - just outside of town...

[pscot]

42. Another subdivision for Jesus!

[tritsofme]

18. Exit polls in 2006 showed Lincoln Chafee with something like a 60% approval rating, but still lost.

Voters were determined to punish Republicans.

With a 9.6% unemployment rate, voters are in a pretty sour mood today too.

[BlueCheese]

23. I think you're right.

To me, the success of Tea Party candidates shows that voters are sour on everyone in office. They don't like establishment Democrats or establishment Republicans.

[madrchsod]

19. huge job losses in wisconsin`s paper industry...

and other industries. anti incumbent could be the problem.

illinois has the same problem with obama`s senate seat.

[Scuba]

21. He's not losing...

I volunteer for Russ and we had a 'house party' (one of 58) on Tuesday eve. Russ called in and indicated his polls show him with a slight lead.

If we can get enough registered Democrats to vote he should win again, handily.

Please vote for Russ if you live in Wisconsin.

[Nikki Stone1]

25. Slight lead. GOTV will be crucial.

I'm sending some $$ to the campaign. Russ has a lot of fans across the country.

[madrchsod]

28. i sure hope so...we are fighting kirk down here

it seems it pretty even and if chicago and other democratic strongholds can get the voters he will lose. i really hate to see a dumb ass kirk win

[Gabi Hayes]

59. that pathological liar is my rep.

his first major campaign statement was in favor of drastically increasing penalties for marijuana possession

[elfin]

26. Wisconsonite here and Russ just does not have

the "appeal" he did many years ago against the hapless Kasten, from who he took the seat.

While Senator Kohl steadily brings in the goodies in a quiet way -- Russ tries to brand himself as a Progressive Maverick, looking like a Soupy Sales bobblehead during the McCain/Feingold reform campaign.

It does not help in this culturally traditional state (with a still strong German basis) that he has multiple divorces, is short and "looks Jewish". He is gone -- BUT I did some some money via ActBlue.

I am heartsick at what is happening in this state.

[Nikki Stone1]

31. So you think he is toast.

Sigh.

[NoNothing]

33. I don't think it's based on character

He still polls very highly as trustworthy, ethical, and in-touch.

The problem is he is seen as largely a seat-warmer. Sure he casts largely symbolic protest votes - but how does that help Joe Sixpack? Feingold just hasn't spearheaded any big legislation other than the largely gutted and failed campaign finance bill, and doesn't even seem to wield much influence in the Senate after being there for almost two decades. Voters want change and the want action, and Feingold, for all his earnestness, simply hasn't delivered that.

[Nikki Stone1]

37. Obama hasn't delivered change either--unless you call Reaganite policies "change"

Joe Sixpack needs to wake up.

[bbgrunt]

53. As a former WI resident, I think you've characterized

Russ's plight. He just hasn't been a mover and shaker. He casts lone votes--against the Patriot act, but for John Ashcroft for AG. While he is greatly admired, he really hasn't been leading the charge in any way except for his hook-up with McCain over campaign finance reform that means very little these days given the recent Citizens United decision.

[Greyhound]

69. He fell into the Senate trap. This is so sad, but not unexpected.

OTOH, it's not over 'till it's over.

[Zoeisright]

38. Because a lot of people are stupid?

I mean, really, when you consider that the median IQ of 100 means that many people have an IQ lower than that - it's kind of self-explanatory. I'm just amazed we've been able to get this far as a country. Of course, it's all downhill from here.

[craigmatic]

40. Dems in the state must not be fired up enough. It's not like he's done anything wrong. He's the

ultimate liberal good guy if ever there was one.

[elocs]

45. Although he may be behind in some polls I don't think Feingold is "losing".

It ain't over till it's over. Feingold has spent years meeting with people all over the state and helping them as he can. Do not discount the value of this.

That being said, this is an off year election and not all of Feingold's constituents will show up to cast a vote for him or against him. In fact very many of those who would support Feingold will likely not be bothered to vote. Ultimately elections are decided by the majority of voters who actually participate and cast their votes.

[Gin]

48. the Pres...is gonna be at UW on Tuesday...my grand daughter

goes there and mentioned he was coming...I assume it's to help.

[INdemo]

52. Most of the latest polls are in Wisc are conducted by(R)amussen which

leans toward the GOP candidates..and are not that scientific.. 500 or less samplings
Sept 22nd Internal polls showed a much different race.
internal polling showed Feingold ahead, by 48%-41% among all ...


http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/09/is-wisconsin-still-feingold-country-dem-sen-trails-heading-into-november.php

I think a lot of these polls as we witnessed in previous elections are Republican wishful thinking and try to sway public opinion.
Ziggy once said that polls with sampling less than 1000 are not accurate. No doubt its a close race in Wisc but how can a Senator have a 51 or 52% approval among his constituents and yet have a 44% to 51% against his opponent??

[Davis_X_Machina]

56. He's running clean...

...against a self-funded millionaire in the middle of the worst economic conditions since the late 1930's.

In an off-year election.

It would be news if he wasn't in trouble.

[JI7]

58. People like it when THEIR Senator brings home the Pork

based on people from Wisconsin people don't see him as doing much for them in that area. the other Senator is very popular even though he ins't talked of much in places like DU.

why do you think people repeatedly voted for someone like Robert Byrd and some other Senators that people from out of state might not understand or like.

[Kringle]

63. Wisconsin, Legions of Unemployed

People voted for change in 06 and 08.


did not get it

[JCMach1]

65. He has a history of tough races...

[Obamanaut]

66. Perhaps more and more people think that 'incumbency' should be

limited.

[JI7]

67. Why is the other Democratic Senator more popular in Wisconsin than Feingold ?

[Kringle]

68. the other guy isn't on the ballot .nt