PROGRESSIVE CANDIDATES IN WISCONSIN

Re-Elect Russ Feingold for WI-Senate:

Russ Feingold has been one of the most outspoken and progressive of America's Senators. He is one of our best. Of course that makes him a target of the Teabaggers and they even have been trying to illegally suppress the vote in liberal areas to win.

But the bottom line remains, Russ Feingold is one of the best Senators in America and he deserves re-election.





More on Feingold:

”That’s just like Russ. Principled, dogged and committed to doing the right thing.”
- Abbotsford Tribune-Phonograph, March 17, 2005

Russ Feingold is an independent voice in the United States Senate. He is known as an effective, bipartisan legislator who is well respected in both domestic and foreign policy. Throughout his service, Russ has always done what he thought was right for Wisconsin – even when it meant going against the status quo in Washington.

“[I]n an age in which most of us feel more disconnected than ever from our leaders – an age in which we feel our voices drowned out by the volume of lobbyists and their money, we still get unfiltered access to Feingold’s ear.”
- Wausau Daily Herald January 7, 2008

Reforming the System

“But when it comes to bucking the go-along-to-get-along culture of Congress, it takes characters like…Feingold to put a thumb in the eye of the old-boys club.”
- Beloit Daily News, January 8, 2009

Best known for leading the fight for campaign finance reform in the Senate with Republican Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Russ has been a tireless leader in a number of bipartisan reform efforts - including his key role in the successful effort in 2007 to pass historic congressional gift ban and lobbying disclosure legislation. Russ and Senator McCain have teamed up yet again to cut wasteful spending by eliminating earmarks that send billions of taxpayer dollars to unauthorized projects across the country every year.

He has worked with Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) on efforts to reform our health care system and give states the power and resources to ensure that all of their citizens have affordable health care coverage. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) has teamed up with Russ on issues ranging from providing good dental care and life-saving defibrillators to people around Wisconsin and across the nation, to efforts aimed at ensuring that our first responders – those on the front lines every day – have the resources they need to keep our communities safe.
Strengthening America

“…Feingold is right. This country’s war is with al Qaida, its outlaw network around the world and state sponsors of terrorism. That war is not being prosecuted with the vigor and relentlessness it deserves, because U.S. boots are stuck in the Iraqi sands.”
- Beloit Daily News, September 13, 2007

As a member of the Intelligence Committee and the Foreign Relations Committee, and as Chairman of the Africa Subcommittee, Russ brings a critical focus to the fight against terrorism. He strongly supported going after al Qaeda in Afghanistan following the attacks of September 11, 2001. He opposed the decision to go to war in Iraq, which took our focus away from finishing the job in Afghanistan, where the Taliban and al Qaeda forces have reconstituted themselves. Russ advocates targeting al Qaeda aggressively, so that Afghanistan will not be used again as a launching pad for attacks on America. However, it is far from clear after years of warfare that a larger military presence there would advance this goal. Russ believes we must heed the lessons of Iraq and recognize that in the long run, regional diplomacy, government reforms, and infrastructure development may be more important to Afghanistan 's success – and to our own national security – than committing additional troops.
Protecting Our Rights

“He showed a willingness to stand up for the rule of law and for the American people.”
- The Monroe Times, July 10, 2008

As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Feingold has brought critical attention to the need to combat terrorism without undermining our rights and freedoms. He has been a leader in the fight to fix the USA PATRIOT Act, as well as wiretapping legislation. As Chairman of the Constitution Subcommittee, he’s consistently fought against various types of discrimination so that all Americans are equal under the law.

If you want to help keep this outspoken, independent-minded progressive in Congress:

Volunteer for Russ Feingold's Campaign.

Or please donate to his campaign.


Here are some local races that deserve your attention:

Progressive Majority is an organization with an excellent track record of helping good, progressive candidates get elected. They have about a 50% success rate in getting candidates elected year after year. For an organization focused on electing progressives, many of whom are challengers going up against incumbents, that is a damned good track record.

Currently, Progressive Majority has endorsed the following candidates in Wisconsin:

Liz Jones
Candidate for State Assembly - District 29 (Challenger)
St. Croix County



Liz Jones is a dynamic progressive running for state assembly in WI. As a single parent who graduated from college and earned a Master's Degree, Liz understands how important it is to work hard and remain devoted to improving the lives of people around her. She's the former Executive Director of a domestic abuse shelter and currently works in a law firm. Liz is running in a swing district in Western Wisconsin and has an active and enthusiastic base of supporters committed to helping improve the lives of the people of her district.

Click here to support and learn more about Liz.

And Liz Jones isn't afraid to get her hands dirty helping her community. Here is a picture of Liz Jones working on a Habitat for Humanity house:

Steve Brown
Candidate for State Assembly - District 66 (Challenger)
Kenosha County





Steve Brown is a professor of educational leadership and school law at Northeastern Illinois University, an executive producer of a local public radio station in Kenosha, Wisc. and a dynamic progressive in his community. A former reporter, Steve is not afraid to ask tough questions and to investigate each issue to its fullest. He is running to create jobs and protect the most vulnerable people in Wisconsin. This is a vital race where a progressive has a strong opportunity to defeat an entrenched, conservative incumbent.

Click here to support and learn more about Steve.

Brett Hulsey
Candidate for State Assembly - District 77 (Open Seat)
Dane County

Brett Hulsey is a dynamic progressive, a member of the Dane County Board of Supervisors, and a candidate for Wisconsin State Assembly. Brett is running for a strong public education system, environmental conservation, human and civil rights, health care for all, and the promotion of labor. Brett recently won a tough, five-way primary and now he faces a three-way general against a Green Party candidate and a Ron Paul-style Republican.

Click here to support and learn more about Brett.

John Lehman
Candidate for State Senate - District 21 (Incumbent)
Racine County



John Lehman is a former teacher and State Senator from District 21. He served as a progressive voice in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1996 until his 2006 election to the Senate, and before that for 12 years on the Racine City Council. Re-electing John is crucial in our effort to hold the majority in the Wisconsin State Senate.

Jim Sullivan
Candidate for State Senate - District 5 (Incumbent)
Wauwatosa County



Jim Sullivan, an attorney, local Alderman, and Naval reservist, carried his message of strong schools, quality healthcare, and fiscal responsibility in the State Capitol in 2006, winning his Senate race against an extremely conservative incumbent. He now seeks re-election in this crucial seat in the Wisconsin State Senate.

Pat Kreitlow
Candidate for State Senate - District 23 (Incumbent)
Chippewa County



In 2006, Pat Kreitlow challenged 17-year conservative Republican incumbent Dave Zien, and won. Pat is best known as a longtime journalist in the area. He anchored the evening newscasts at WEAU-TV 13 from 1998 to 2005, and worked in several other broadcast positions following his 1986 graduation from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. He's received several broadcasting awards and has also served for six years on the board of directors of Literacy Volunteers. His wife is a well-respected OB-GYN at the local health clinic. Pat is an extremely well spoken candidate with great political instincts. This is a crucial seat in maintaining the majority in the Wisconsin State Senate.

Dick Skare
Candidate for State Assembly - District 1 (Challenger)
Door, Kewaunee and Brown County



Dick Skare is a restaurant owner and local leader running for Wisconsin Assembly. A lifelong resident of Door County, Wisconsin, Dick and his family have devoted much of their lives to building a thriving restaurant and serving their community. Dick is deeply committed to improving the lives of people in Wisconsin, particularly seniors who are too often ignored. He has also taken the courageous and nuanced position of supporting wind energy while being mindful of the costs to local residents.

Click here to support and learn more about Dick Skare.