Russell Feingold

Russell D. Feingold is a former United States Senator from Wisconsin, who served in the Senate from 1993 until 2011. A member of the Democratic Party, Feingold is known for his advocacy on campaign finance reform and civil liberties. He was the only senator to vote against the USA PATRIOT Act in 2001 and co-sponsored the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, commonly referred to as the McCain-Feingold Act. After his Senate career, he continued to be active in public service and political advocacy, including a candidacy for his former Senate seat in 2016.

Early life and career

Russell Dana Feingold was born on March 2, 1953, in Janesville, Wisconsin, into a Jewish family. His grandparents were immigrants from Russia and Galicia, which influenced his upbringing and worldview. His father, Leon Feingold, was an attorney, while his mother, Sylvia Feingold (née Binstock), worked at a title company. Feingold was the second of four children, and his family background played a significant role in shaping his political beliefs. His father and older brother David, who was a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War, were particularly influential in his early political development. Feingold was also active in youth organizations, such as the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization and Aleph Zadik Aleph, which further instilled in him a sense of civic responsibility.

Feingold's political engagement began in earnest during his teenage years when he volunteered for the presidential campaign of New York City Mayor John Lindsay in 1972. He later supported the campaigns of other prominent figures, including Mo Udall and Ted Kennedy. After completing his secondary education at Joseph A. Craig High School, he attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in political science in 1975. During his time at the university, he was recognized for his academic achievements by being inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society and the Iron Shield Society, the latter being one of the highest honors available to undergraduates.

Following his undergraduate studies, Feingold received a Rhodes Scholarship to Magdalen College at the University of Oxford, where he graduated in 1977 with a first-class honors Bachelor of Arts in jurisprudence. He then pursued a Juris Doctor degree at Harvard Law School, graduating with honors in 1979. After completing his education, Feingold worked as an attorney in private law firms, including Foley & Lardner and La Follette & Sinykin, from 1979 until 1985. His legal background provided him with a strong foundation for his future political career.

In 1982, Feingold entered politics by winning a seat in the Wisconsin State Senate, where he represented the 27th district for a decade. His tenure in the state legislature laid the groundwork for his subsequent election to the United States Senate.

Senate tenure

Feingold's entry into the U.S. Senate began with his election in 1992, when he defeated Republican incumbent Senator Bob Kasten. At the time, Feingold had limited name recognition and faced a competitive primary against Congressman Jim Moody and businessman Joe Checota. To distinguish himself, he created a "contract with Wisconsin voters," which included five key promises, and he famously painted these promises on his garage door. His campaign utilized creative advertising, including an endorsement from an Elvis Presley impersonator, which garnered attention and helped him connect with voters.

Despite polling in the single digits early in the campaign, Feingold's unique approach resonated with the electorate, leading to a decisive victory in the primary with a significant majority of the vote. In the general election, he emerged victorious against Kasten, winning by a margin of 53% to 46%, coinciding with a competitive presidential race in Wisconsin.

Feingold successfully secured re-election in 1998, despite being outspent by his Republican opponent, Representative Mark Neumann. He implemented a self-imposed fundraising cap of $3.8 million, which reflected his commitment to campaign finance reform. His strategy involved requesting that various lobby groups refrain from airing pro-Feingold advertisements, a decision that drew criticism from some within his party. Nevertheless, his strong performance in Democratic strongholds contributed to his narrow victory.

In 2004, Feingold won a third term in the Senate by defeating Republican nominee Tim Michels by a margin of 11 percentage points. His tenure in the Senate was marked by a focus on civil liberties, campaign finance reform, and other progressive issues. Feingold's independent stance and willingness to break from party lines were notable aspects of his political identity.

Feingold's Senate career concluded in 2011 when he lost his bid for re-election to Republican nominee Ron Johnson. Following his departure from the Senate, he remained engaged in public service and political advocacy, including his appointment as a special envoy to the Great Lakes region of Africa in 2013.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his Senate tenure, Feingold was recognized for his commitment to campaign finance reform and civil liberties. He was a co-sponsor of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, which aimed to address issues related to campaign financing and limit the influence of money in politics. This legislation, often referred to as the McCain-Feingold Act, was a significant milestone in the ongoing debate over campaign finance in the United States.

Feingold's opposition to the USA PATRIOT Act in 2001 further underscored his dedication to civil liberties and individual rights. He was the only senator to vote against this legislation, which was enacted in response to the September 11 attacks and expanded the government's surveillance capabilities. His stance on this issue highlighted his belief in the importance of protecting civil liberties, even in times of national crisis.

In addition to his work on campaign finance and civil liberties, Feingold served on several Senate committees during his time in office. His involvement in these committees allowed him to influence a wide range of policy areas, including foreign relations, judiciary matters, and government oversight. His legislative efforts were characterized by a focus on transparency, accountability, and the promotion of democratic values.

After leaving the Senate, Feingold continued to engage in public service and advocacy. He announced his candidacy for his former Senate seat in 2016, but ultimately lost in a rematch against Ron Johnson. In 2020, he became president of the American Constitution Society, a role he held until stepping down in 2025. Feingold is currently the Chair of the Campaign for Nature's Global Steering Committee, where he continues to advocate for environmental issues and sustainable practices.

Feingold's career reflects a commitment to public service and a dedication to the principles of democracy, civil liberties, and campaign finance reform. His legislative legacy continues to influence discussions on these critical issues in American politics.