Here's an interesting article about how the censure resolution is playing in rural America. One of Russ Feingold's signature moves as Senator is to hold "listening sessions" in each of Wisconsin's 72 counties every year, to stay in touch with the people he represents. According to
this article in tomorrow's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Russ held two listening sessions in Menominee and Shawano counties in northeastern Wisconsin yesterday, and he was roundly praised at both events.
That Feingold would be celebrated in Menominee County is not surprising, since it is one of the most overwhelmingly Democratic counties in Wisconsin (it consists of the Menominee Indian Reservation). But the descriptive meat of the article discusses Feingold's event in Shawano County, a solidly Republican county that went 58% for Bush in 2004, and 74% for sleazy rubber-stamp Republican congressman Mark Green, whose house seat is up for grabs this year and is widely seen as competitive.
So what do the folks of this red America enclave have to say about censure?
While Feingold's censure bid caused a commotion inside the Washington Beltway and on the ever-expanding blogosphere, it was just one of many issues brought up by his constituents, who deal with real-life concerns such as farming, education, health care and Social Security.
But when Feingold made his case to censure the president, he received sustained applause from a crowd of nearly 100 people at the Belle Plaine Community Center in Shawano County.
And this,
There were a few lighthearted moments and a bizarre one at the meeting in Belle Plaine.
The first questioner lauded Feingold, got on one knee, and then prayed that the senator become president. Feingold, clearly embarrassed, gently told the man, "Oh, don't do that."
Tina Mullen, 40, said she had two questions. "Are you running for president," she asked.
Sustained applause? Run for President? In the heart of Red America?
David Brooks, are you listening?
Nancy Pelosi, are you?