Russ Feingold's double-digit lead in polling so far against Sen. Ron Johnson has shrunk. The Marquette Law School poll, the gold standard for Wisconsin, has Feingold's lead at five points now among registered voters, and now Public Policy Polling is out with a brand-new poll showing Feingold's lead at 7 points, at 46 percent to 39.
That doesn't mean, however, that Johnson's lot has improved much, and PPP says he's in "deep trouble." A key issue working against him is his support for privatizing the veterans healthcare system, which 68 percent of voters oppose. But it's far more than just one issue.
Another thing hurting Johnson is the generally poor brand of Senate Republicans, which is being reinforced by their obstructionism on the Supreme Court issue. Only 12% of voters in Wisconsin approve of the job Mitch McConnell is doing as Senate Majority Leader, to 46% who disapprove. Association with McConnell is a big problem for Johnson. Beyond that voters want to see the Supreme Court seat filled this year by a 52/38 spread, including 51/41 with key independent voters. That's another issue where Johnson’s position is hurting his chances of returning to the Senate next year.
Johnson's frank admission that, yes, this Supreme Court blockade he's so enthusiastically participating in is entirely about politics surely isn't helping him. His cheerful acceptance of Donald Trump at the top of the ticket is likewise not going to win him many converts.
In other words, Johnson would welcome a Supreme Court shaped by Donald Trump. If you don't need more motivation to help Russ Feingold get him out of the Senate, it's hard to imagine what it will take. Wisconsin needs Feingold back. The nation needs Feingold back.
Help make it happen. Help get Russ Feingold back where he belongs. Even $3 makes a difference.