In his campaign chest, that is. The Journal-Sentinel discussed Russ Feingold’s campaign finances in an article yesterday, noting the three-term Democrat is raising and spending money at a furious pace.
In typical, classy Feingold fashion the campaign is building grassroots support through small donors. One must spend money to make money, collecting small donations is expensive, but ensures a clean election and legislative process.
The article briefly comments on Republican assertions of Feingold’s heavy fundraising being due to concerns over reelection prospects, an expected political jab. The attacks continue from likely Feingold opponent Terrence Wall;
“Liberals like Russ Feingold continue to support spending that’s going to place this country in financial trouble,” said Wall, who argues that there are too many lawyers and career politicians in Washington.”
To give the JS credit, the next paragraph acknowledges Feingold’s budget-reducing Control Spending Act, aimed at reducing wasteful federal spending. Wall conveniently ignores the fact so he doesn’t have to stray from the usual “liberals-taxing-and-spending” GOP rhetoric.
Republican Party of Wisconsin stuntman Mark Jefferson characterizes Feingold as an “opportunistic politician who tries to cast himself as a maverick but sides with his party on a majority of votes.” This from the executive director of a political party, which by definition organizes candidates and legislators for strength in numbers to advance an agenda.
I bet Jefferson has never disparaged Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner for siding with his party on 90.3% of House votes. Compare that to Feingold’s 76.7%. No judgment is passed on the basis of a legislator voting with their party, only on Jefferson’s hypocrisy and sheer stupidity selecting the member of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation who votes with their party the least.
That’s the RPW for you… Go get ‘em Russ.
