Just like John Kerry, Russ Feingold was one of only 14 senators to oppose the Defense of Marriage Act signed into law by President Clinton in 1996. Unlike Senator Kerry, Russ Feingold represents a very purple state. Opposing this bill was a very courageous move on his part. Russ Feingold has also been a strong critic of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy regarding gays in the military - not because the policy goes too far, but because it does not go far enough. As is the case when being asked about his presidential ambitions, Russ Feingold has been noticeably evasive when asked about his specific position on gay marriage - until today.
Today Russ Feingold issued a press release supporting the
right of gays and lesbians to marry.
Senator Feingold at one of his listening sessions this past weekend in Paddock Lake, WI:
"As I said at the Kenosha County listening session, gay and lesbian couples should be able to marry and have access to the same rights, privileges and benefits that straight couples currently enjoy," Feingold added. "Denying people this basic American right is the kind of discrimination that has no place in our laws, especially in a progressive state like Wisconsin. The time has come to end this discrimination and the politics of divisiveness that has become part of this issue."
I have to admit that I was kind of surprised by the timing of this announcement. Russ is already facing a lot of heat for his censure proposal. Does this send a signal that Russ Feingold is definitely launching a presidential bid? Or does this bold stance mean Russ is actually less inclined to run for president? What kind of impact will that have if Russ does indeed decide to run?