With the 2016 election approaching and candidates slowly lining up, it is important to consider options for the next election. Many on this site feel there is a need for a progressive voice in the primary, Elizabeth Warren or Bernie Sanders are the two names most often mentioned. Personally, I think Russ Feingold is often forgotten and is worth considering. If Warren and Sanders decline to run, having Senator Feingold would be important.
It has been awhile since we have heard from Mr. Feingold. As many remember, he did not run for President in 2008 and then lost in 2010 to Ron Johnson, 52-47% after 3 senate terms. He is now special envoy to the Great Lakes region of Africa which I will admit does not sound impressive but at the same time shows he is working for the public good and did not flip to run a hedge fund or sell out to Wall Street. (In Africa, he is working to bring peace to the Congo region-
Russ's Senate Career is impressive
-voted no on Iraq war in 2002
- voted yes on Affordable Care Act in 2010
-2006 supported same sex marriage (well ahead of the curve and before Hillary and Obama "evolved")
-sponsored the McCain-Feingold Campaign Finance reform
He had one negative which was that he was divorced from his wife in 2005. However, he remarried in 2013. (This does not matter to me but being single is often seen as a negative in the electorate's mind)
Senator Feingold started Progressives United where he lists himself as a friend of Bernie Sanders
I do not think we need Russ to run if Sanders does as they seem to be politically aligned. Another option would be for him to reclaim his Senate seat in Wisconsin- his voice, with Warren and Sanders would be a great addition to the progressive wing of our party