Is Russ Feingold Right (Enough) for America?

America needs a president committed to justice in our society and throughout the world. We have a duty to choose someone who understands the crucial role of citizens and their Constitutional rights in our democracy. Most importantly, we deserve a principled person with an open ear and a thirst for knowledge who makes decisions without needing to consult their party first.

For all of these reasons, with a complete disregard for the seven hundred and sixty-eight days until the election, I am a proud and confident supporter of the undeclared candidacy of Senator Russ Feingold.

The only word more crippling to a campaign than 'electability' is the dreaded 'liberal' label. Critics claim his "radical positions" prove how out of touch Feingold is with American voters. As the first senator to call for a withdrawal timetable for Iraq in 2005, he was widely criticized by many politicians from both sides. Feingold lamented that "A person shouldn't be accused of not supporting troops just because we want some clarity on our mission in Iraq."

A USA Today/Gallup poll taken Sept. 15-17 showed only 36% of Americans thought Bush had a clear plan for Iraq, versus 61% who said he did not. But for some critics, even polls can't justify Feingold's call for the censure of a wartime president.

In a talking points memo issued by Republicans, they spun Feingold's rather-tame censure resolution as a plan "For Intercepting Foreign Terrorists Before They Hit Us Again." Feingold responded that he wanted FISA standards to apply to American citizens again, while he continues to support the president's ability to wiretap foreign suspects he deems appropriate, as written in FISA.

In his 14 years of service, Russ Feingold has proven he is a man of the people. "Upholding the rights of all citizens has proven to be a struggle throughout our history," he said, "but nothing worthwhile is achieved without a struggle."

Russ proved his "radical" positions in his 1992 campaign, when he pledged a number of unheard ideas. Among other things, Feingold promised to deny PAC contributions, to return his automatic yearly senate wage increase and to hold "listening sessions" in each of Wisconsin's 72 counties yearly. Since elected, he has returned over $50,000 in pay raises and has held over 850 listening sessions across the state.

When Russ started accepting PAC donations in his 2004 campaign, critics called him a hypocrite after his decade-long pursuit of campaign finance reform. When his campaign netted almost $8.5 million in contributions, the cries grew to a crescendo. The facts reflect another story, however; over 90% of Feingold's money came from individuals and the average contribution was only $60.

Russ has proven his dedication to the rights of our country. "Congress will fulfill its duty only when it protects both the American people and the freedoms at the foundation of American society," he said. "So let us preserve our heritage of basic rights. Let us practice as well as preach that liberty. And let us fight to maintain that freedom that we call America."

Russ is the strongest proponent of civil rights in the senate for one simple vote; in 2001 he was the sole dissenting vote against the unanimous passage of the PATRIOT Act. Not content to give up after the bill's adoption, Feingold worked tirelessly with members of both parties to protect civil liberties by changing certain passages.

Feingold's rejection of torture and the unlawful detainment of terror suspects will uphold and restore our reputation as a nation of justice. He understands that our political system only works with a true system of checks and balances to protect against outrageous power grabs. He has shown this through his support and contribution to an informed congress and an opposition to extremist judges like Bush appointee Samuel Alito. Throughout his service to our nation, Russ Feingold has proven he understands that only our rights make us the most powerful nation on Earth.

But Russ is the strongest candidate for president in 2008 for one simple reason: he is a man of principle. The same reasons Russ is branded as a "liberal" are the things that make him stand out against the me-too politicians crowding Washington. He isn't afraid to go against even his party in search of the truth.

To the loud objections of his party, Feingold was the only Democratic senator who voted against dismissing President Clinton's impeachment case in 1999. He has voted to confirm numerous presidential cabinet nominees despite voicing strong personal objections. "I believe substantial deference goes to the president on appointments," he said.

More importantly, Russ Feingold denies the fear and uncertainty used by the current administration. In an interview last month, Feingold reflected prior to the War in Iraq that "I just had this sick feeling that people were buying into this out of fear, rather than rationality."

When Russ speaks for the American people, he speaks the truth. As the lone voice against the PATRIOT Act's erosion of civil liberties, the first senator to strongly oppose and condemn the President for illegal wiretapping and the only presidential candidate to vote against the War in Iraq, Russ Feingold is right for America.

27% of Americans in a USA Today/Gallup poll felt that the War in Iraq is our country's top priority. Russ has proven to be the most informed senator on Iraq again and again. Feingold was the first senator to doubt the government's implied ties between Iraq and bin Laden on the senate floor, a charge that has recently been debunked by the Senate.

Russ Feingold is right for America, because he's been right from the beginning. In fact, if you ever find yourself wondering what to do, consider asking yourself, what would Feingold do?