Should Feingold run for Kohl's Senate Seat?

[Keith Bee]

Sam Stein writes:

WASHINGTON -- The abrupt announcement by Senator Herb Kohl that he will retire at the end of this term has left a void in the Democratic Party -- and provoked potentially divisive questions over how to fill it.

Russ Feingold, the object of admiration for the grassroots community but a bête noir for many in the official party apparatus, stands at the heart of the matter. The former senator was completely surprised by Kohl's announcement, those close to him say, and, as of Friday, is more likely to sit out another run at congressional office than throw his hat immediately back in the ring after his lost in 2010.

But even before Feingold makes a decision, an informal pull and push was being applied towards a prospective candidacy.

Soon after Kohl's announcement, the progressive advocacy group Democracy for America launched a petition campaign urging Feingold to run for office. But, at the same time, national Democrats were subtly pushing the idea that other candidates would stand a better chance at winning. One party official floated the names of Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Reps. Tammy Baldwin and Ron Kind as alternatives. An adviser to Baldwin, who could potentially draw some progressive support away from Feingold, quickly suggested she would run. Another top operative, asked about the field, emailed with the simple prediction: “I think new blood wins .”

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/13/feingolds-perspective-can_n_861850.html

I say no. I think Feingold should start planning a presidential run for '16. Now.

[OHdem10]

1. I do not if Feingold would want to run. He has a PAC which has

reached over a million dollars in last few months.

It does not surprise me--he is too independent for the
National Dems.

[charmay]

2. I'd like to see him run against Walker

that is when we recall Walker's pathetic ass.

[murielm99]

4. Yes, he should run against Walker.

Tammy Baldwin should run for Kohl's seat.

[glinda]

5. I like that idea. Both of them!

[DemocracyInaction]

3. Sad isn't it?

The times have changed in Wisconsin. He would stand a good chance but we Dems tremble at the thought of "left of center"...

[elocs]

6. Feingold knows he is far too progressive to ever be elected president.

Thank goodness he is in touch with reality because the point of running is to get elected, not just to make progressives and liberals happy.

Here in Wisconsin I would rather see Feingold run against Walker in a recall election for the governorship. Ron Kind is my congressional rep and I think he would have a much better chance of winning as opposed to Tammy Baldwin who would be painted as an out of touch liberal from Madison.