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Feingold wastes no time cashing in on decision
Last Updated: Dec. 11, 2003
Spivak & Bice
Cary Spivak &
Dan Bice
To the victor go the spoils, and U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold sure is one spoiled senator.
This week, Feingold and U.S. Sen. John McCain scored a huge victory when the U.S. Supreme Court upheld all the major provisions in their controversial campaign finance reform legislation.
While critics and supporters argued with one another about the court's 5-4 decision, a giddy Feingold saw something else altogether:
A pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
In an e-mail to 5,400 supporters nationwide, including many campaign contributors, Feingold praised the court's wisdom for backing the McCain-Feingold measure.
"For the past seven years as I traveled around the state, I have heard from thousands and thousands of Wisconsinites that the system must be changed," Feingold wrote. "Because of your efforts, the way in which campaigns are financed is forever changed."
But the more things change, the more some things stay the same.
At the bottom of the message is a convenient link so those sharing Feingold's glee can grab their credit cards and donate up to $4,000 (eight grand per couple, he helpfully points out) to his campaign fund. Supporters can also set up a convenient monthly payment plan through the November 2004 election.
Feingold, who has always proudly worn the progressive label on his sleeve, was narrowly re-elected to the U.S. Senate in 1998 and will face off against the winner of the three-way GOP primary next September. Businessmen Russ Darrow and Tim Michels and state Sen. Bob Welch are squaring off for the chance to challenge Feingold.
"I need your help to fight for progressive values in government," the two-term Democrat states. "Your contribution helps me protect Social Security, get rid of wasteful government spending, and fight for Wisconsin families."
A spokesman for Feingold defended the solicitation, saying the senator is within his right to hit up contributors in response to the court's affirming legislation aimed at curbing the influence of big bucks in elections.
"There is nothing inconsistent with working to prohibit million-dollar contributions to political parties, while asking supporters for small contributions," said campaign manager George Aldrich in a prepared statement.
He added, "Senator Feingold's commitment to campaign finance reform doesn't mean that he won't continue to raise campaign funds within the limit of existing law."
Campaign records through Sept. 30 show existing law has served Feingold quite well. Raising money with a gusto never seen before, the incumbent senator was sitting on $2.3 million, more than his three opponents combined.
What's more, the millionaires' provision in the McCain-Feingold law could very easily open the door for Feingold to tap supporters for even more money later this year.
The complex clause would allow Feingold to ask for triple the contributor limit - currently, $2,000 in the primary and another $2,000 in the general - if an opponent donates more than $628,000 to the contest. The more a fat-cat candidate dips into his own pocket, the more Feingold is allowed to dip into the pockets of his backers.
That's a real possibility with two of the three GOP candidates being millionaires.
No wonder Mr. Campaign Reform was downright giddy about the high court's decision this week.
Last Updated: Dec. 11, 2003
Spivak & Bice
Cary Spivak &
Dan Bice
To the victor go the spoils, and U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold sure is one spoiled senator.
This week, Feingold and U.S. Sen. John McCain scored a huge victory when the U.S. Supreme Court upheld all the major provisions in their controversial campaign finance reform legislation.
While critics and supporters argued with one another about the court's 5-4 decision, a giddy Feingold saw something else altogether:
A pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
In an e-mail to 5,400 supporters nationwide, including many campaign contributors, Feingold praised the court's wisdom for backing the McCain-Feingold measure.
"For the past seven years as I traveled around the state, I have heard from thousands and thousands of Wisconsinites that the system must be changed," Feingold wrote. "Because of your efforts, the way in which campaigns are financed is forever changed."
But the more things change, the more some things stay the same.
At the bottom of the message is a convenient link so those sharing Feingold's glee can grab their credit cards and donate up to $4,000 (eight grand per couple, he helpfully points out) to his campaign fund. Supporters can also set up a convenient monthly payment plan through the November 2004 election.
Feingold, who has always proudly worn the progressive label on his sleeve, was narrowly re-elected to the U.S. Senate in 1998 and will face off against the winner of the three-way GOP primary next September. Businessmen Russ Darrow and Tim Michels and state Sen. Bob Welch are squaring off for the chance to challenge Feingold.
"I need your help to fight for progressive values in government," the two-term Democrat states. "Your contribution helps me protect Social Security, get rid of wasteful government spending, and fight for Wisconsin families."
A spokesman for Feingold defended the solicitation, saying the senator is within his right to hit up contributors in response to the court's affirming legislation aimed at curbing the influence of big bucks in elections.
"There is nothing inconsistent with working to prohibit million-dollar contributions to political parties, while asking supporters for small contributions," said campaign manager George Aldrich in a prepared statement.
He added, "Senator Feingold's commitment to campaign finance reform doesn't mean that he won't continue to raise campaign funds within the limit of existing law."
Campaign records through Sept. 30 show existing law has served Feingold quite well. Raising money with a gusto never seen before, the incumbent senator was sitting on $2.3 million, more than his three opponents combined.
What's more, the millionaires' provision in the McCain-Feingold law could very easily open the door for Feingold to tap supporters for even more money later this year.
The complex clause would allow Feingold to ask for triple the contributor limit - currently, $2,000 in the primary and another $2,000 in the general - if an opponent donates more than $628,000 to the contest. The more a fat-cat candidate dips into his own pocket, the more Feingold is allowed to dip into the pockets of his backers.
That's a real possibility with two of the three GOP candidates being millionaires.
No wonder Mr. Campaign Reform was downright giddy about the high court's decision this week.
