Russell Feingold on Principles & Values Democratic Jr Senator (WI)

Badger Pledge: keep outside groups out of state race

E4 Initiative: economy, employment, energy and education

A: Before our country's economic collapse in 2008, I had already introduced my E4 Initiative to address Wisconsin's economy, employment, energy and education needs. I have succeeded in acting some E4 provisions, including a measure in the Recovery act that will allow Wisconsin to use $58 million in tax credits to help deploy more energy efficiency technologies in homes and businesses. The Recovery Act also included $2.3 billion in 48C tax credits for advanced energy manufacturing projects--which I support extending to further strengthen clean energy manufacturing in Wisconsin; and over $800 million for a high-speed rail between Milwaukee and Madison that will create over 13,000 jobs. ..

Voted with Democratic Party 91.7% of 326 votes.

Launched presidential PAC, the Progressive Patriots Fund

Although Feingold usually receives support in the single digits in opinion polls featuring various potential Democratic presidential candidates, he remains highly popular among Democratic grassroots activists. Many of Feingold’s supporters blame his low results in scientific polling on poor name recognition. Feingold has consistently polled ahead of other potential Democratic presidential candidates who haven’t run a national race before.

Dems will win majority by taking strong stands

Declines congressional pay raise

Feingold and other members of the Wisconsin congressional delegation agreed to make their annual financial disclosure forms available to The Associated Press, ahead of next month’s official release by Congress. By his own rules, Feingold’s next salary increase won’t happen until 2011, should he win a fourth term to the Senate - unless he takes a higher-paying job in the meantime. Feingold is considering a run for the presidency in 2008.

1999: Only Dem to vote against dismissing impeaching Clinton

"She tore into Feingold," an aide says. There is a subtext here, as there often is with Hillary's antics. Though Feingold ultimately voted to acquit Bill Clinton during the 1999 impeachment trial, he did provide the only Democratic vote against a motion to dismiss the charges. In other words, Feingold supported the impeachment, though he ultimately opposed conviction. "Hillary doesn't forget things like this," says one Senate observer.

Voted YES on confirming of Sonia Sotomayor to Supreme Court.

"In the past month, many Senators have asked me about my judicial philosophy. It is simple: fidelity to the law. The task of a judge is not to make the law--it is to apply the law. And it is clear, I believe, that my record in two courts reflects my rigorous commitment to interpreting the Constitution according to its terms; interpreting statutes according to their terms and Congress's intent; and hewing faithfully to precedents established by the Supreme Court and my Circuit Court. In each case I have heard, I have applied the law to the facts at hand."

Voted NO on confirming Samuel Alito as Supreme Court Justice.

Voted YES on confirming John Roberts for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Religious affiliation: Jewish.

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Profiled in "Jews in American Politics".

When one reads accounts of Jews in American politics, the common theme is that Jews have achieved prominence in art, literature, academia, certain businesses, and entertainment, but not in politics or government. The Jewish politician was the exception, not the rule.

In the last third of the 20th century, however, that pattern changed. By 2000, Jews had become as prominent in the political realm as they have been in other aspects of American life. And Jewish participation is accepted for the contributions these activists make, not because of their Jewishness. Nothing could symbolize this trend more cogently than the nomination of Joseph Lieberman for vice president in 2000 and the national reaction to his candidacy. [Lieberman says]:

Although politics was not exactly a Jewish profession, individual Jews did throw themsleves into the democratic process. Some were traditional politicians; others machine politicians. Many more, such as Emma Goldman and the radicals of the early 20th century, were inspired by the ideal that they had a duty to repair the world—Tikkun Olam.

Many reasons account for the broader representation of Jews in American civic life today. The forces of antisemitism have been relegated to the extreme margins of society, the principle of meritocracy has increasingly opened the doors of opportunity. Moreover, the idealism and purpose that were spawned by the movements for civil rights, opposition to the war in Vietnam, environmentalism, and other causes drew many Jewish Americans into the political arena. Jews are admonished tp help perfect the world by the ancient wisdom of Rabbi Tarfon, who tells us, “You are not required to complete the task, yet you are not free to withdaw from it.”