WI-SEN

Democrat Tammy Baldwin Declares Senate Run In Wisconsin (VIDEO)

Eric Kleefeld | September 6, 2011, 9:59AM

Senate campaign announcement by Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)

The first big Democratic name has entered the open Senate race in Wisconsin, with Rep. Tammy Baldwin declaring her candidacy Tuesday to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Herb Kohl in this high-profile swing state.

Baldwin announced her candidacy, which has been much expected since Kohl announced his retirement in May, with a YouTube video posted Tuesday morning.

Baldwin was first elected to the House in 1998, after serving in the state Assembly, and became the first openly gay candidate elected to Congress as a non-incumbent -- and if elected to the Senate, she would become the first openly gay senator at all. After an initial close re-election race in 2000, she has won landslides for her House seat ever since.

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WI-SEN

Wis. GOP Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald Running For Senate

Eric Kleefeld | August 30, 2011, 10:25AM

Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald (R)

Another Republican has thrown his hat into the ring for the Wisconsin Senate seat being opened up by the retirement of Democratic Sen. Herb Kohl. And the latest candidate has a big name: State Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald -- who along with his brother, state Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, and Gov. Scott Walker, has been instrumental in passing the anti-public employee union legislation that sparked the wave of protests, recall elections, and other big controversies in Wisconsin.

Fitzgerald confirmed his candidacy to the Wausau Daily Herald on Monday:

He said he would apply his experience in the Wisconsin Legislature to the Senate.

"We have the same problems here (in Wisconsin) as we have in D.C.," he said, citing excessive taxation as an example. He said the national debt must be brought under control and that "we need to start making stuff in this country."

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WI-SEN

GOPer Mark Neumann Announces Senate Campaign In Wisconsin

Eric Kleefeld | August 29, 2011, 1:56PM

Former Rep. Mark Neumann (R-WI)

Former Rep. Mark Neumann (R-WI) officially launched his campaign for U.S. Senate Monday, setting up a likely Republican primary against the more moderate former Gov. Tommy Thompson.

Neumann announced his campaign in an interview with conservative talk radio host Charlie Sykes, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. Neumann's likely opponent Thompson has been gearing up for the race, and has already been attacked by the conservative group the Club For Growth.

Some of Neumann's former aides now work at the Club For Growth, though Neumann said in the interview that he would not have any control over what the group does. "They support conservative candidates. We hope they'll support us," Neumann said of the Club. And regarding his former staffers, he said: "They are conservative people and they are dedicated to reducing wasteful spending."

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WI-SEN

Club For Growth Ad Slams Tommy Thompson In Wis. Senate Race (VIDEO)

Eric Kleefeld | August 23, 2011, 9:55AM

The right-wing Club For Growth is wasting no time in taking a shot at Republican former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson, who is poised to officially enter race for the state's open Democratic-held Senate seat. They've released a new TV ad seeking to tie Thompson to President Obama and health care reform.

Of course, Thompson does not yet have an opponent. But the Club has been dismissive of Thompson for months, and has released poll data suggesting that the relatively moderate Thompson could be vulnerable to a primary challenge from the right.

"Tommy Thompson has been a politician since way back in 1966," the announcer says. "But do you know his record? As governor, Thompson supported massive tax and spending increases."

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Wisconsin

Feingold: I Will Not Run For Public Office In 2012

Eric Kleefeld | August 19, 2011, 9:25AM

Former Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI), June 12, 2011.

Former Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI), who lost his seat after three terms in the 2010 Republican wave, has announced that he will not run for office in 2012 -- either in the race for state's open Senate seat, or in a potential recall against Gov. Scott Walker -- a development that could possibly lower the chances for success of the latter possibility, or the likelihood of a recall even occurring.

"This was a difficult decision, as I thoroughly enjoyed my tenure in both the State Senate and the U.S. Senate, and I know that progressives are eager to reverse some of the outrageous policies being pursued by corporate interests at both the state and federal levels," Feingold wrote in an e-mail to his supporters.

"I am also well aware that I have a very strong standing in the polls should I choose to run again for the U.S. Senate or in a recall election for governor. After twenty-eight continuous years as an elected official, however, I have found the past eight months to be an opportunity to look at things from a different perspective."

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WI-SEN

Tammy Baldwin: 'I Think I Am Likely' To Run For Wisconsin Senate Seat

Eric Kleefeld | July 5, 2011, 2:15PM

Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)

Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) is getting closer to a run for Senate in the very polarized swing state of Wisconsin, where four-term Dem Sen. Herb Kohl is retiring in 2012.

"I think I am likely to run," Baldwin told the Capital Times, in a profile piece. She later added: "It is a major decision, and I have to make it carefully, but I am likely to do it."

Baldwin was first elected to Congress in 1998, representing a strongly Democratic district comprising Madison and the surrounding counties. Except for a close-call race for her second term in 2000, she has been easily re-elected ever since.

A survey in late May from Public Policy Polling (D) found that Baldwin could start out with a plurality of 30% in a wide open Democratic primary -- that is, if former Sen. Russ Feingold, who lost in the 2010 Republican wave, were to decide not to run. If Feingold were to run, he would begin with a prohibitive 70%, with Baldwin at a mere 12%.

Wisconsin Protests

Feingold Addresses Anti-Walker Protesters: 'We Will Not Stop Until We Win'

Eric Kleefeld | June 13, 2011, 10:17AM

Former Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI), June 12, 2011.

Former Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI), who was defeated for re-election in the 2010 Republican wave after three terms, has now begun to re-emerge into the public eye -- taking part in the protests against Republican Gov. Scott Walker that have been going on pretty much non-stop for the last few months at the state Capitol.

Earlier this month, the protests took their newest form with a tent city around the Capitol, dubbed "Walkerville" as a word-play on how shantytowns became known during the Great Depression as "Hoovervilles." As the Wisconsin State Journal reports, Feingold spoke on Sunday at a Walkerville event:

"Why are we in a place called Walkerville today?" he asked the energized crowd at the corner of State and West Mifflin streets, amid the tent village that sprang up earlier this month to protest the state budget bill and will remain through June 20 while lawmakers debate the bill.

"Because we will not stop until we win."

Feingold, who lost his seat in November to Oshkosh businessman Ron Johnson, outlined necessary actions for the near future: taking back the majority in the state Senate and Assembly, and -- drawing big applause -- defeating Gov. Scott Walker, who he called a tool of the Republican party.

During the speech, chants of "run, Russ, run," could be heard, but Feingold didn't mention his own political future.

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Wisconsin

Feingold On Senate Or Gov Bid: 'I'm Looking At It'

Eric Kleefeld | June 2, 2011, 12:47PM

Former Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI)

Former Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI), who was defeated for re-election after three terms in the 2010 Republican wave, now says he is considering a possible comeback bid for the state's other Senate seat, from which Democratic Sen. Herb Kohl is retiring in 2012.

"I am looking at it, but I feel I should take some time to think this through," Feingold told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "For me the question right now is whether it's a good idea for me to go back into this sort of life."

Feingold said he would decide by Labor Day.

A recent survey from Public Policy Polling (D) found that Feingold would likely have a solid lock on the Democratic nomination, giving him a lead of 70%-12% over Rep. Tammy Baldwin, who is also considering a run. (Without Feingold in the race, Baldwin would start out with a plurality over a field of several other Democrats.)

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WI-SEN

PPP Poll: Feingold Way Ahead For WI-SEN Dem Nod, Thompson Could Face GOP Troubles

Eric Kleefeld | May 27, 2011, 3:00PM

Former Gov. Tommy Thompson (R-WI) and former Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI)

A new survey of Wisconsin from Public Policy Polling (D) finds that in the open Senate race, where Democratic Sen. Herb Kohl is retiring, former Sen. Russ Feingold could potentially have a lock on the Dem nomination if he wanted it -- but that former Gov. Tommy Thompson might face a competitive contest on the GOP side.

If Feingold were to run -- following his defeat for re-election after three terms, in the 2010 Republican wave -- the poll shows him starting out with a whopping 70% support in a Democratic primary, followed in a very distant second place of 12% by Rep. Tammy Baldwin, who has been eyeing the race, and several other names in single digits.

If Feingold did not run, Baldwin would start with 30%, followed by former Rep. Steve Kagen (who also lost in 2010) with 17%, Rep. Ron Kind with 16%, state Sen. Jon Erpenbach with 13%, and several others in single digits.

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WI-SEN

PPP Poll: Feingold Leads In WI-SEN Race, GOPer Thompson Only Close Against Other Dems

Eric Kleefeld | May 24, 2011, 12:40PM

Former Gov. Tommy Thompson (R-WI) and former Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI)

A new survey of the Wisconsin Senate race from Public Policy Polling (D), where Democratic Sen. Herb Kohl is retiring, gives the potential Democratic candidates consistent leads over any Republican who isn't named Tommy Thompson -- and even Thompson, the former four-term governor and Bush-era Health and Human Services Secretary, would face a close race.

Several different potential Democratic candidates were tested out against several Republicans, in a swing state that has become the center of a polarizing political debate over labor unions in the wake of Republican Gov. Scott Walker's anti-public employee union legislation.

"Russ Feingold's going to start out as a solid favorite if he wants to go back to the Senate," writes PPP president Dean Debnam. "His loss last year had less to do with him than the national political climate and because of Scott Walker's unpopularity things have shifted back toward the Democrats more quickly in Wisconsin than most other places."

The poll of registered voters was conducted from May 19-22, and has a ±2.4% margin of error.

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Wisconsin State Legislature

Wis. Elections Staff Recommend Recalls Against Three GOPers

Eric Kleefeld | May 20, 2011, 2:55PM

State Sen. Dan Kapanke (R-WI)

The Wisconsin Government Accountability Board, which oversees elections in the state, is poised to approve recalls for three Republican state senators, as the process unfolds in the wake of Gov. Scott Walker's anti-public employee union legislation.

The GAB staff has recommended to the board -- which is made up of retired judges selected through a non-partisan process -- to approve recalls against state Sens. Dan Kapanke, Randy Hopper and Luther Olsen, when the board meets this Monday. As the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports, these were the first three legislators to have recall signatures filed against them.

The GAB staff memorandum notes that the board will meet again next Monday, May 30, to take up the business of six other pending recall petitions: Republicans Sheila Harsdorf, Alberta Darling and Rob Cowles, and Democrats Dave Hansen, Jim Holperin and Robert Wirch.

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WI-SEN

Club For Growth Slams Tommy Thompson: 'April Fools Was Weeks Ago'

Eric Kleefeld | May 18, 2011, 4:14PM

Former Gov. Tommy Thompson (R-WI)

Tommy Thompson, the former Wisconsin governor and Bush-era Health and Human Services secretary who is widely expected to run for his state's open Democrat-held Senate seat, could now face some stiff opposition from his right -- namely from the right-wing activist group the Club For Growth, which came out strongly against him this afternoon.

The Club said in a statement:

"Tommy Thompson raised taxes as Governor, supported ObamaCare, and now he wants to run for the United States Senate? April Fools was weeks ago," said Club for Growth President Chris Chocola. "Wisconsin Republicans should recruit a pro-growth conservative to run, not recall some big-government pro-tax Republican whose time has come and gone. Club members are watching Wisconsin's Senate race closely.

Keep in mind that the Club is perhaps most known for the determination with which it backs primary challengers over establishment-backed moderate GOP candidates, and even GOP incumbents.

So a statement like this is not to be taken lightly, as Thompson mulls his final decision about running.

WI-SEN

Russ Feingold, Potential Senate Candidate, Rips Democrats For 'Corruption'

Benjy Sarlin | May 17, 2011, 12:48PM

Former Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI)

Ousted from the Senate in 2010, Russ Feingold, may have fewer Democratic friends to count on if he chooses to enter the race to replace retiring Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI). The progressive icon eviscerated his former colleagues in an e-mail for his advocacy group Progressive United on Tuesday, accusing two prominent Democrats of enabling "corruption" by opposing new transparency measures on political donations.

"This culture of corporate influence and corruption is precisely what we as Progressives United want to change," he wrote. "So we've decided to take on those legislators who are unwilling to stand up to corporate power, and we're naming names."

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WI-SEN

Reports: Tommy Thompson In, Ryan Out For Wisconsin Senate Seat

Eric Kleefeld | May 17, 2011, 9:34AM

Former Gov. Tommy Thompson (R-WI) and Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI)

This post has been updated at 11 a.m. ET.

Paul Ryan (R-WI), whose proposal to privatize Medicare has become the focus of current political debates, will not run for the Senate seat from which Democratic Sen. Herb Kohl is retiring. Instead, former Wisconsin Governor and Bush-era Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson will reportedly be getting in.

Ryan said in a statement posted on his campaign site, in part:

For my family and me, the most important factor in making this decision was determining where I could make the biggest difference. Our nation is quickly approaching a debt crisis that will do serious damage to Wisconsinites and all Americans if it is not properly addressed. I believe continuing to serve as Chairman of the House Budget Committee allows me to have a greater impact in averting this debt-fueled economic crisis than if I were to run for the United States Senate.

National Journal and Politico reported Ryan's plans earlier today, and that Thompson would get in.

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WI-SEN

Paul Ryan: I'll Decide If I'm Running For Senate This Week (VIDEO)

Evan McMorris-Santoro | May 16, 2011, 9:47AM

Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI)

On CNN this weekend, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) confirmed that he's considering jumping into the 2012 Wisconsin Senate race following the announced retirement of Sen. Herb Kohl (D).

"My family and supporters, we just started digesting this," Ryan told State Of The Union Sunday. "I plan on making an announcement very quickly."

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WI-SEN

Paul Ryan Considering Run For Open Wisconsin Senate Seat

Evan McMorris-Santoro | May 13, 2011, 2:58PM

Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI)

Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), who's become a national figure thanks to his role as budget guru for the House leadership in the 112th Congress, says he's considering making a run for the U.S. Senate being vacated by Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI).

"I was surprised by Senator Kohl's announcement," Ryan said in a statement posted to his Congressional campaign website. Ryan said he's going to "take some time over the next few days to discuss this news with my family and supporters before making any decision about how I'm best able to serve my employers in the First Congressional District, our state and nation."

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2012 elections

Wis. Dem Chair: Russ Feingold, Tammy Baldwin Could Run For Senate Seat

Eric Kleefeld | May 13, 2011, 2:54PM

Former Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)

On a conference call with reporters just now, Wisconsin Democratic Party chairman Mike Tate predicted that the party would have one or more strong candidates in the race to succeed Dem Sen. Herb Kohl, who announced his retirement earlier on Friday. Indeed, Tate directly named some key potential candidates who are already looking at it, or might soon be doing so.

Chief among the names that Tate listed were former Sen. Russ Feingold, who lost re-election in the 2010 Republican wave after three terms in office, and seven-term Rep. Tammy Baldwin from Madison and the surrounding counties.

"I think the next 6-8 weeks are going be an important timeframe for people to at least make a decision about whether they're gonna run," Tate said.

"I've already spoken with some people this morning who indicated there are serious people thinking about getting in this race," Tate also added, saying that at least for Friday focus should be on Kohl himself and his record of serving the state.

When a reporter asked who Tate might have been talking to, or what names might have come up, Tate said there could be many great candidates. "Obviously Russ Feingold looms large if he were or were not to run again," Tate said. "And I've spoken to people very close to her that Tammy Baldwin is seriously considering running for the Senate seat."

Tate also said that people who might be looking at the race include Rep. Ron Kind, Milwaukee Mayor and 2010 gubernatorial nominee Tom Barrett, former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, and biotechnology executive Kevin Conroy.

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WI-SEN

Kohl Announces Retirement From Senate, Predicts GOP Overreach In Wisconsin Will Benefit Dems

Eric Kleefeld | May 13, 2011, 12:33PM

Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI)

Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI) has officially announced his retirement. Kohl's decision to not seek reelection in 2012 opens up a potential top-tier Senate race, in a swing state that has become the center of a polarizing political debate over labor unions in the wake of Republican Gov. Scott Walker's anti-public employee union legislation.

"I've always believed that it's better to leave a job a little too early than a little too late," the four-term senator said in his opening remarks. "And that's how I feel today. The interest and energy I have for this job will find a new home at the conclusion of this term."

Kohl told reporters that he believed the divisions in the state, triggered by Walker's legislation, would make it easier for the Democrats to hold the seat. "I think whoever we nominate is going to have a very good chance of winning," said Kohl. "To some extent the Republicans have overreached, and people have recoiled, and the landscape will be more favorable.

"Not that I'm happy it's happened -- I'm not happy that it's happened. But I think the landscape will be more favorable to Democratic candidates than last year."

(Thanks to the CBS affiliate in Milwaukee, for live-streaming Kohl's press conference.)

WI-SEN

Dem Wisconsin Sen. Herb Kohl Expected To Announce Retirement

Eric Kleefeld | May 13, 2011, 10:39AM

Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI)

Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI), will reportedly announce today that he will not run again in 2012, after having served four terms. This in turn will open up a potential top-tier Senate race, in a swing state that has become the center of a polarizing political debate over labor unions in the wake of Republican Gov. Scott Walker's anti-public employee union legislation.

Kohl was first elected to the Senate in 1988, after a career in business and as owner of the Milwaukee Bucks basketball team. He will be 77 years old on election day 2012. Kohl had not been raising money in recent months, thus making this announcement somewhat expected, but his personal fortune and capacity to self-finance made the situation ambiguous.

A Democratic source in Wisconsin confirmed to TPMDC that Dems expect Kohl to announce his retirement. According to the source, potential Democratic candidates include Rep. Ron Kind, Rep. Tammy Baldwin, Milwaukee Mayor and 2010 gubernatorial nominee Tom Barrett, and former Sen. Russ Feingold, who was defeated after three terms in the 2010 Republican wave.

WI-SEN

Poll: Democrats Poised To Keep Wisconsin Senate Seat In 2012

Jon Terbush | March 3, 2011, 9:06AM

Senator Herbert Kohl (D-WI) and Fmr. Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI)

Sen. Herb Kohl (D) is in solid position to hold his seat if he runs for reelection in 2012, according to a new PPP poll. But if he retires, as some observers believe he will, Democrats could still hold the seat if they nominate a progressive favorite in Kohl's place: former Sen. Russ Feingold.

Kohl and Feingold held strong leads over every Republican challenger thrown their way in the survey, making it seem at least for now like the GOP would have a tough time flipping another Wisconsin Senate seat.

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2010 elections

Feingold, Specter To Teach law

Eric Kleefeld | January 6, 2011, 12:41PM

Former Sens. Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Arlen Specter (D-PA)

Two former U.S Senators who lost their seats in 2010 are landing on their feet -- they can no longer make the law, but they will now teach it in their home states.

Former Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI), who was defeated in November by Republican Ron Johnson, is now going to be a visiting law professor at Marquette University. As the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports:

"I'm really excited about trying out some new things," the former Democratic senator said in an interview Wednesday, speaking in some detail about his future for the first time since he was defeated by Republican Ron Johnson in November. "I'm going to be very, very happy to be in Wisconsin almost full-time for the first time in many, many years."

It makes a lot of sense that Feingold would become a law professor back home, given the support he long enjoyed from students. Also, all those ethics laws he passed would probably make it hard for him ever get a job on K Street.

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WI-SEN

The End Of A Progressive Champion: Russ Feingold Loses To Ron Johnson

Eric Kleefeld | November 2, 2010, 10:42PM

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) and Fmr. Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI)

As the Republican wave spreads across the country, it's time to say goodbye to one of the big-name progressive champions of the past 18 years: Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI), champion of campaign finance reform and longtime opponent of the Patriot Act, has gone down in defeat against Republican businessman Ron Johnson. It marks the first time since 1986 that Republicans have won a Senate race here.

With 30% of precincts reporting, Johnson leads by 57%-42%, and has been projected as the winner by NBC News and Fox News.

Feingold won his first term with 53% of the vote in 1992, defeating incumbent two-term Republican Sen. Bob Kasten. He had started out in that race as a seemingly third-place underdog in the Democratic primary, but then won the primary with only 70% after after the two other candidates attacked He was then re-elected narrowly with 51% in 1998 against GOP Rep. Mark Neumann, then expanded that margin to 55% in 2004 against businessman Tim Michels. But the bad economy and the Republican tide this year were clearly too much to overcome.

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Russ Feingold

Dem Sources Hold Out Hope For Feingold

Brian Beutler | November 2, 2010, 9:00PM

Russ Feingold

Two Democratic sources tell TPM that their exit poll data shows Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) either tied with or down by the thinnest of margins against his Republican challenger Ron Johnson.

A senior Dem source says one exit poll has them down by a point. The other has it dead even.

Customary notes of caution about exit polls apply, and, of course, these are Democratic sources pulling for their candidate. But the early data is clearly closer than they expected they would be.

2010 elections

Senate In The Balance: TPM's Look At The 9 Key Races Still Up For Grabs

Eric Kleefeld | November 1, 2010, 5:06PM

Clockwise from top left: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO), Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI), Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)

As we head into Election Day, one thing is clear for Senate Democrats: It's going to be bad. Seriously. There's no going anywhere but down. But how far down?

It's unlikely that Democrats will manage to lose their majority outright, since they're starting at the high mark of 59 seats. But things sure look rough. Open seats in Indiana and North Dakota seem to be gone already, along with incumbent Sen. Blanche Lincoln in Arkansas. Republican seats that seemed like potential Dem pickups much earlier in the cycle -- North Carolina and open seats in Florida, Kentucky, Missouri, New Hampshire, and Ohio -- are clearly out of reach.

[TPM SLIDESHOW: Stranger Than Fiction? TPM Casts The 2010 Midterms Movie]

The few bright spots for Democrats are open seats in Connecticut and Delaware, where very weak Republican candidates Linda McMahon and Christine O'Donnell have spared the Dems from total humiliation. So with that in mind, let's take a look at some other key races to watch tomorrow.

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WI-SEN

Polls: Feingold Continues To Trail Johnson

Eric Kleefeld | October 29, 2010, 10:50AM

Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Senate candidate Ron Johnson (R-WI)

Two new polls of the Wisconsin Senate race confirm that Republican businessman Ron Johnson leads three-term Democratic Sen. Russ Feingold. And though the Democrat has gained some ground, Feingold is still stuck in the mid-40s.

The new survey from Public Policy Polling (D): Johnson 53%, Feingold 44%. The survey of likely voters has a ±2.6% margin of error. In the previous poll from mid-September, Johnson led by 52%-41%.

And the We The People survey, a consortium of media interests in Wisconsin: Johnson 48%, Feingold 44%. The survey of likely voters has a ±5% margin of error. In the previous survey from early October, Johnson led by 49%-41%.

The TPM Poll Average gives Johnson a lead of 51.8%-44.6%.

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WI-SEN

Rasmussen Poll: GOPer Johnson Leads By 7 Points Against Russ Feingold

Eric Kleefeld | October 26, 2010, 12:41PM

Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Senate candidate Ron Johnson (R-WI)

The new Rasmussen poll of the Wisconsin Senate race shows Republican businessman Ron Johnson continuing to lead Democratic Sen. Russ Feingold.

The numbers: Johnson 53%, Feingold 46%. The survey of likely voters has a ±4% margin of error. In the previous Rasmussen poll from two weeks ago, Johnson led by a similar margin of 52%-45%.

This particular poll would seem to suggest that Johnson's recent gaffes -- his multiple admissions that he doesn't actually have any detailed policy proposals, only a general conservative philosophy -- have not made changed the race very much.

The TPM Poll Average gives Johnson 52.3%, Feingold 44.9%.

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Ron Johnson

Mailer Supporting Johnson Warns Government Will Ban Hunting Ammunition

Brian Beutler | October 26, 2010, 11:16AM

Candidate for U.S. Senate Ron Johnson (R-WI)

A political mailer sent to voters in support of Wisconsin Senate candidate Ron Johnson (R) plays on unfounded conservative fears that Democrats will outlaw hunting ammunition.

"It will be hard to hunt when ammo is banned," the mailer reads.

An image of the flier was sent along by a reader, who found it disingenuous. And indeed, groups that support gun bans don't exactly count the Obama administration as an ally.

"Anti-hunting extremists groups are trying to force the federal government to ban traditional hunting ammunition," it reads. "And they just may succeed.... Choose Ron Johnson on November 2. Ron Johnson will lead the fight against the anti-hunting extremists to protect your right to hunt."

The mailer was paid for by Safari Club International's PAC, based in Tucson, AZ.

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NV-SEN

A Rundown Of Recount Laws In States With Close Statewide Elections

Brian Beutler and Elizabeth Harrison | October 25, 2010, 12:55PM

Workers recount ballots from the 2008 Minnesota Senate race.

It's been a grueling election season, but at least it will all be over next week.

Unless, of course, it's not. An unusual number of closely contested races means the chances are fairly high that one or more high-profile elections will end in a recount. With nearly 100 House seats in play, a recount could be triggered in just about every state. In Senate and gubernatorial elections, though, we have a better idea of where to watch -- i.e., which races are within the margin of error, or narrowing quickly.

Here's a rundown of recount rules in key states. Remember, control of the Senate could depend on this.

Read more »

WI-SEN

Feingold Ad: Ron Johnson Is A Blank Whiteboard (VIDEO)

Eric Kleefeld | October 25, 2010, 12:40PM

From a Feingold campaign ad, "Whiteboard"

Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) has a new ad against his Republican opponent Ron Johnson, slamming Johnson's multiple admissions that he does not have detailed policy proposals. The ad depicted Johnson's non-existent plans as a blank whiteboard, which ultimately collapses to the floor.

"Ron Johnson has spent a lot of money on TV ads. But he won't tell you what his plans are," the announcer says. "When he was asked what his plan was to create jobs, he didn't have one. When he was asked what spending he would cut, he said he wouldn't play that game. The fact is, Mr. Johnson has no plans. He says his true feelings can take voice after the election. When times are tough, who do you trust to stand up for us?"

The TPM Poll Average gives Johnson a lead of 51.7%-44.4%.

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WI-SEN

Feingold Airs Ad Touting Support From Vets After Johnson Gaffe

Brian Beutler | October 21, 2010, 11:40AM

Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI)

Impeccable timing: The Russ Feingold campaign will today begin airing the below ad touting his support from veterans.

Why's the timing impeccable?

Because just yesterday, his Republican opponent, Ron Johnson got tripped up when asked to describe his view of the government's role in helping homeless veterans.

Read more »

WI-SEN

Ron Johnson On Homeless Vets: This Election Isn't About Details [VIDEO]

Brian Beutler | October 21, 2010, 9:34AM

Wisconsin's Republican Senate hopeful Ron Johnson got tripped up on a point of policy during a recent interview: Asked what the Department of Veteran's Affairs' responsibility is to homeless veterans, Johnson declared that his election fight against Sen. Russ Feingold is not "about details."

"Certainly the people that step up to the plate to answer that call -- they are a top priority in terms of spending. So we do need a strong VA system. We need to support those folks as long as they need support," Johnson said.

The moderator pressed Johnson -- a government skeptic -- to explain exactly how the government should respond to the issue of homeless vets. "Are there specific things that you think need to happen within that galaxy of services, perhaps, that the VA has some responsibility for or other organizations that would help homeless veterans?"

Johnson responded, flummoxed.

Read more »

WI-SEN

Ron Johnson: I'm Applying For The Job Of Senator -- I Don't Need Details

Eric Kleefeld | October 20, 2010, 4:34PM

Candidate for U.S. Senate Ron Johnson (R-WI)

Businessman Ron Johnson, the Republican nominee in the Wisconsin Senate race, seems to have had another fun moment this morning -- declaring at a candidate forum that he doesn't have to have details on policy.

As WisPolitics reports:

GOP U.S. Senate candidate Ron Johnson said this morning he doesn't have specific details on how to solve the nation's issues, instead comparing himself to a promising job candidate who has the potential to learn on the job.

...

"I don't believe this election is about details. I really don't," Johnson said. "I've met with people in 60 counties and done 500 personal events, and my approach is to convey to people who I am, explain my manufacturing background, and then as honestly as I can, let people know what my philosophy is."

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WI-SEN

Wisconsin Paper Endorses Feingold After Johnson Deer-In-Headlights Moment

Brian Beutler | October 20, 2010, 2:25PM

Russ Feingold

That didn't take long. The Wisconsin newspaper that had Republican Senate hopeful Ron Johnson at a loss for words over how to help the middle class has just endorsed his opponent, Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI). What's more, the paper cites stumping Johnson as a key driver of their decision.

"Oshkosh businessman and political newcomer Ron Johnson, also has voiced his support for spending controls and fiscal responsibility in Washington," the endorsement reads. "His plan for righting the U.S. economy, however, comes across as one-note: establish a hard spending cap, reduce government interference and allow businesses to flourish."

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Ron Johnson

Ron Johnson Freezes When Asked For His Plan To Help Middle Class

Brian Beutler | October 20, 2010, 12:15PM

Candidate for U.S. Senate Ron Johnson (R-WI)

Wisconsin Republican Senate hopeful Ron Johnson had a deer-in-headlights moment in a recent interview with the Green Bay Press Gazette.

Asked to explain his jobs plan, Johnson banged away at the GOP mantra: cutting spending, regulation, etc. That didn't satisfy the editors.

"There's no real jobs plan?" one interviewer asked.

"I would say bring fiscal discipline to the federal government," Johnson replied. "We've got to curb spending."

That didn't satisfy his interviewers.

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Ron Johnson

TPM Takes A Closer Look At Ron Johnson's Business Success

Brian Beutler | October 15, 2010, 9:11AM

Candidate for U.S. Senate Ron Johnson (R-WI)

Ron Johnson's campaign for Wisconsin Senate is premised largely on the notion that he's a successful businessman who knows how to create jobs.

Johnson owns a plastics company called PACUR in Oshkosh, WI. According to a recent report by the business research firm Investext, PACUR enjoyed estimated annual sales of $36 million, and employeed 100 people in 2009. His spokeswoman, Sara Sendek says it's a bit bigger than that -- about 120 employees.

With unemployment sky high, Johnson's been able to capitalize, politically, on his success, and has been leading his opponent, Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI), in the polls since July. "I'm not a politician," Johnson says in a recent ad. "I'm an accountant and a manufacturer. I know how to balance a budget, and I do know how to create jobs.'

However, Johnson's usually mum about the fact that one of his largest clients is Bemis, a publicly traded company founded by his now-deceased father in law, and currently run by his brother in law, Jeffrey Curler.

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Health Care

Bucking The Trend? Dems In Tough Races Run On Vote For Health Care Reform (VIDEO)

Brian Beutler | October 14, 2010, 9:10AM

Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Rep. John Larson (D-CT)

The conventional wisdom suggests that Democrats are "running scared" from health care reform. But the truth is that most Democrats have nothing to be afraid of -- and those who do, by and large, voted against it. Of course, some of the vulnerable Dems who voted for the bill are happy to avoid the subject. But a surprising number are running on reform, in ads, op-eds, and debates in their states and districts.

While it's true that a number of the most conservative and vulnerable Dems are outwardly repudiating their party's leadership, Speaker Pelosi herself yesterday sought to set the record straight on Democratic pride in reform.

"It's important to note -- and I say this all the time -- the plural of anecdote is not data," she told reporters. "At least 200 members are out there boasting the benefit of the health care bill. At least. There may be some who did vote for the bill who are not talking it up -- they didn't vote for it. There are others who are soft peddling it, maybe, because other issues are working for them better. "

Below the top five examples of Democrats turning the CW on its head.

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WI-SEN

Feingold Ad: Ron Johnson Wants Partial Privatization Of Social Security (VIDEO)

Brian Beutler | October 13, 2010, 1:20PM

Ad from Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI), "Off the Table"

In a new ad, Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) repeats his pledge not to cut or privatize social security -- unlike his opponent, Republican Ron Johnson.

"For 75 years, Social Security has been a promise to American workers. But my opponent, Ron Johnson, supports changes that would undermine that promise," Feingold says. "Mr. Johnson says where Social Security is concerned, 'everything is on the table' -- even privatization for some."

"Here's my position," he continues, sweeping a bunch of kids toys (meant to represent Social Security cuts and other changes) off a table. "I oppose turning any part of Social Security over to Wall Street. That's why the national group to preserve Social Security supports me, Russ Feingold, and I support this message."

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Fiscal Commission

Andy Stern Says Fiscal Commission Shouldn't Be Dominated By GOP Ideas

Brian Beutler | October 13, 2010, 9:55AM

Andy Stern

Former SEIU President Andy Stern, who sits on President Obama's fiscal commission, says he will not endorse the panel's final recommendations if they are dominated by Republican ideas.

"There has to be a mix," Stern told me in an interview last night.

The bipartisan, 18 member panel has been tasked with providing policy guidance that will bring the country closer to fiscal balance. As TPM has reported, many of the Republican members are largely interested in securing spending cuts, and want to avoid tax increases of all kinds. Some are even pressing for lower tax rates for corporations, the cost of which could be offset by eliminating tax loopholes and giveaways (known officially as tax expenditures).

But Stern says he's looking for real tax increases. "I'm not an all-cut guy and I just don't know if tax expenditures can produce enough revenues on their own."

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WI-SEN

Who Is John Galt? The New Star Of Wisconsin Senate Race Debate!

Eric Kleefeld | October 12, 2010, 9:30AM

Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Senate candidate Ron Johnson (R-WI)

Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) and his Republican opponent, businessman Ron Johnson, met last night for a debate, with topics ranging from health care to outside ad spending to...Atlas Shrugged.

That's right. A U.S. Senate debate ended up including a discussion on the 1957 novel by Ayn Rand, about a world where business owners and innovators rebel against and abandon a society that over-regulated them and redistributed their earnings. Johnson, who is himself a plastics manufacturer, has cited it as a favorite book of his.

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