Progressive Groups Coming To Feingold's Rescue

[WI_DEM]

Progressive groups have made Sen. Russ Feingold's difficult re-election bid a top priority, raising more than $600K for the Wisconsin Democrat in the last four days.

MoveOn.org, the liberal blog FireDogLake.com and Democrats For America are behind the fundraising, which will be funneled directly to Feingold's war chest. Feingold is currently locked in a tight race against businessman Ron Johnson (R).

Feingold has always been something of a hero to the left because of his strong stance on campaign finance reform, among other issues.

"These numbers show that -- despite claims of an enthusiasm gap -- progressives are stepping up in a big way for leaders like Russ Feingold," said Ilyse Hogue, MoveOn.org's communications director. "Our members give what they can -- $10, $20 at a time -- because we recognize what's at stake: Without these heroes beating back the agenda of multinational corporations and their Republicans cronies, we're never going to get an economy that works for the middle class and American jobs here at home."

Feingold needs the money. He has $3M in his campaign account, but Johnson has been raising money at a fast clip and has shown he is willing to dip into his own personal fortune.

The fundraising for Feingold is ongoing, so the donations are still coming in. MoveOn.org has raised $485K in 24 hours, while FireDogLake has raised at least $30K and Democrats For America has brought in about $120K.

Johnson looked to be a longshot when he entered the race and has taken Feingold by surprise. And Feingold has good reason to be worried; he has trailed Johnson in the most recent polling.

http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/

[catgirl]

1. Ron Johnson is icky. n/t

[COLGATE4]

2. Let's hope that Feingold is able to pull it out. We need more

Senators of his character and qualities.

[gkhouston]

3. K&R for Russ. n/t

[jgraz]

4. Come on, Wisconsin. Don't make me come back there!

McCarthy, Tommy Thompson and Jim (non)Sensenbrenner were bad enough. Throwing out Feingold will make be embarrassed to be Cheesehead.

[denimgirly]

5. I donated $2,000 yesterday -- My money is for non-corrupt democrats only...

There are many democrats fighting for their lives and i will NOT donate money to their campaign eventhough i have enough money to do so.
My money will continue to be for Feingold (priority #1) and any other progressive that hasn't sold the people out...so this list is very short. I havent donated to Grayson because he is clearly in strong shape and doesnt need help. For any other democrat that f'ed the people during these past 2 years in any way (and that means not voting progressive and at times having no spine and sucking up to the right) i will not vote for you and will be glad you lose.

Sadly, after my donation i was hoping to get a personal call or email with a special thank you for the large donation. :( Ah well.

[Qutzupalotl]

6. Well, you get a big thumbs up around here.

:thumbsup:

Thank you for your generous donation to a very worthy Democrat!

[Onlooker]

9. Thumbs up from me too!

That's great you did that. (I just gave $50.) I wonder where all the others who can afford generous donations are? I read that right-wing private groups are outspending liberals ones by a 6-1 ratio. Maybe you'll help start a trend that will reduce the inequity.

[Greybnk48]

12. Way to go denimgirly!! I'm hoping to be able to send

$100!! Your generosity is truly heroic!! WOW!

[Phx_Dem]

7. Too 'em long enough. They were too busy complaining about Obama

to pay any attention to Feingold.

[DCBob]

8. 'bout time..

Russ is drowning!

[ProSense]

10. He also has a new ad out

on health care.

[Stuart G]

11. k and r for Russ.

[pmorlan1]

13. I donated to Feingold

And I plan to do it again. This is truly a Democrat worthy of support.

[DemocraticPilgrim]

14. Cenk definitely called it right if Feingold goes there will be a mssive shift right, got to fight...

for him with every ounce left.