Wisconsin Democrats are eager to defeat Republican U.S. Senator Ron Johnson, and they’re banking on former Senator Russ Feingold, who lost to Johnson in 2010, as the candidate who can get the job done.
Feingold received an enthusiastic welcome from delegates attending the state party convention in Milwaukee Friday night. He took the stage after the crowd heard from outgoing DPW chairman Mike Tate, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, U.S. Representatives Mark Pocan of Madison and Gwen Moore of Milwaukee, Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin and Virginia Senator Tim Kaine.
Baldwin, Pocan and Moore all touted the importance of electing Feingold because his opposition to foreign trade deals which have shipped jobs overseas and disadvantaged American workers.
“We need to win back the Senate Majority, and we can’t do it without this seat,” Baldwin said, adding that Feingold would “make sure Wisconsin workers don’t get screwed by another bad trade deal,” referring Trans Pacific Partnership.
“No more throwing away our jobs with secretive trade deals that are sold on the false goal of elusive global profits,” Feingold said, promising to end the GOP’s “corporate-written, anti-worker, anti-middle-class playbook.”
Feingold drew chants of “we want Russ,” from delegates. “Thanks,” he said. “It’s good to be back.”