Feingold Bows Out
Russ Feingold will Not be running for president.
In a letter on his Progressive Patriots Fund website, launched last June to "to explore the possibility of running for president in 2008," Russ has disappointed his supporters by formally withdrawing his quest for higher office.
MILWAUKEE - U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold (news, bio, voting record) has decided against seeking the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination, saying he wanted to focus on his work in the Senate.
In a letter posted on his political action committee's Web site, Feingold said he was excited that Tuesday's elections gave Democrats control of both chambers of Congress, giving them the chance to "undo much of the damage that one-party rule has done to America."
"We can actually advance progressive solutions to such major issues as guaranteed health care, dependence on oil and our unbalanced trade policies," he wrote.
Feingold, 53, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel he realized he would be a long-shot candidate in a bid for the presidency.
He said running as an underdog appealed to him, but not the way it would "dismantle" his work in the Senate and his personal life.
You can read Feingold's letter here.
This is a gut-check to progressive liberals everywhere, but coming off a terrific election last week, the sting isn't as bad as it could be.
If you haven't figured it out yet, this means you really ought to consider joining Ohio For Edwards. The Ohio For Edwards Blog is open for comments, but under construction -- stay tuned, .
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Categories: 2008 Election
Comments
This was recently suggested about Hillary as well: they can probably do more good for the country and their party by remaining US Senators. For one thing, they really like the job.
Posted by: shep![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.rubyan.com/politics/nav-commenters.gif)
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November 12, 2006 12:10 PM
Hillary may yet become the first female Senate Majority Leader.
Or, in a future Democratic administration, a nominee for the SCOTUS.
Posted by: Ara Rubyan![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.rubyan.com/politics/nav-commenters.gif)
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November 12, 2006 05:25 PM
WOW, Hillary on SCOTUS. I could rest in peace then...
In the mean time, our field looks crowded, but awesome, and the 800 lb gorilla (Gore) can outwait the field and still make a run if the stars are in perfect alignment.
With Macacca and Boy-Dog Love guy gone, all they got is McCain and Rudy? Their quandry is which doesn't suck worse.
The GOPers are gonna tear each other apart unless those two join forces -- then look out.
Posted by: Mark Adams![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.rubyan.com/politics/nav-commenters.gif)
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November 12, 2006 05:47 PM
Ok, ok. I love Gore, but I'm afraid that his time has come and gone, at least as far as his presidential aspirations are concerned. As someone so famously said, running for president means talking about the future and the traditional media will not let the ghost of Gore-Past rest in peace.
As for the Republicans, it may be that we haven't even met the nominee yet. Or at least taken him seriously, e.g., Mike Huckabee.
Posted by: Ara Rubyan![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.rubyan.com/politics/nav-commenters.gif)
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November 12, 2006 05:56 PM
Shhh....don't give them any ideas -- or hope. ;-)
Posted by: Mark Adams![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.rubyan.com/politics/nav-commenters.gif)
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November 12, 2006 07:05 PM