Washington Whispers
seems to think so:
Keep a lookout for Sen. Russ Feingold , the second half of the McCain-Feingold campaign finance duo, who just won a third term from Wisconsin voters. He's on a nationwide mission to test out his progressive message that's liberal on some issues, like universal healthcare, and conservative on others, like the deficit. Fans think he can bridge the blue-state-red-state divide, making him not just a voice for a changing Democratic Party but a possible '08 presidential candidate. He's not the only one: Republicans are keeping an eye on Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney , who's on his own message tour.
Feingold inadvertantly helped create the netroots revolution with McCain-Feingold. Devoid of big dollar donations, the party had to suddenly court small dollar donors online and off. Beforehand, getting the million dollar checks was the easier route to take.
A Feingold trial balloon should be fun to watch.