My Presidential Choice And Superb Member of the Senate Drops Out

After a wonderful week of celebration with our Democratic members taking control of both houses of congress, I have to say my overwhelming sense of joy took a very fast nose dive when Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) made the official announcement that "he would not be seeking the '08 Presidential bid. My reasons for putting my hope in Russ ran much deeper than the fact he is a Democrat. The myriad of accomplishments and progressive views put forward are too numerous to list here. There is however a comprehensive listing at Russ' Website. Another example of his philosophy of carrying out his duties to his constituents, is what he called his "listening sessions" which Russ describes Listening Sessions, which I believe are one of the most rewarding parts of my job, are designed to allow people to discuss concerns, and listen to friends and neighbors do the same in an open environment. Except for my brief introductory remarks, I spend the entire time listening, taking notes and responding to questions. Wisconsinites give me great ideas for new legislation at these meetings, and when they tell me that they are having a problem with a federal agency, I can try to help. Listening Sessions work in Wisconsin because so many people come and tell me what's on their mind. In my mind, this shows the epitome of what it means to listen to and work for their constituents. Unfortunately there are too few of these Senators in Washington. In a letter posted on his political action committee's Web site, Feingold said he was excited that Tuesday's elections gave Democrats control of both chambers of Congress, giving them the chance to "undo much of the damage that one-party rule has done to America." "We can actually advance progressive solutions to such major issues as guaranteed health care, dependence on oil and our unbalanced trade policies" he wrote. Most reasons any politician gives for withdrawing their name for consideration of higher office are the usual "my family needs me", or any other claptrap and none of it being the truth. However, as is Feingold's way, his reasons strike me as a hell of a lot more truthful than other's we've heard. The reason I believe his remarks? It's his history of always leveling with not only his constituents but all the American people. In his closing statement of the letter he says I'm sure a campaign for President would have been a great adventure and helpful in advancing a progressive agenda. At this time, however, I believe I can best advance that progressive agenda as a Senator with significant seniority in the new Senate serving on the Foreign Relations, Intelligence, Judiciary and Budget Committees. Although I have given it a lot of thought, I cannot muster the same enthusiasm for a race for President while I am trying simultaneously to advance our agenda in the Senate. In other words, if I really wanted to run for President, regardless of the odds or other possible candidates, I would do so. However, to put my family and all of my friends and supporters through such a process without having a very strong desire to run, seems inappropriate to me. Most important, I want to continue my work as a Senator from this wonderful State of Wisconsin. Our fourteen year ongoing conversation that has taken place in hundreds of communities in Wisconsin in the form of open Listening Sessions is the principal reason I have been perceived as "ahead of the curve" on many key issues. Simply listening to the reasoning and passions of Wisconsinites remains the best source of good ideas and common sense I've ever encountered. The underlying passion that can be felt in his comments tells me if not now then certainly in the future he will offer his services as President Of The United States and let the people decide. Chris Bowers, IMO the epitome of political knowledge and blogger over at MyDD best describes Russ Feingold's values, and an outline of the qualities the Democratic Nominee should possess, and I couldn't agree more. In 2008, I hope that there is at least one candidate who can not only articulate a progressive vision for America, but who can also lead America toward progressive positions in the way Senator Russ Feingold has done for over a decade now. Grassroots politics. Campaign finance reform. Never sacrificing our civil liberties. Knowing when it is time to stop asking American soldiers to die for administration mistakes. Time and time again, Senator Feingold has led on issues that once seemed marginal, and brought them to majority status nationwide. Only a few living Democrats can say that on one issue, much less several. The more Senators we have like Senator Feingold, the better off we will all be as both progressives and as Americans. Even if he will not become President, he will always be a progressive leader. Of course being bullheaded and unrelenting as I am, I would like to respectfully make a suggestion to Russ - whoever the Democratic nominee is come '08 - Russ Feingold would make one hell of a running mate as Vice President..