Russ Feingold, Incumbent "Underdog," Sets New Pattern For Dems
The Caucus [scroll down] sounds another note in what seems set to become a crescendo:
Senator Russ Feingold, a three-term Democrat from Wisconsin, is championing himself as the underdog as he faces an unexpectedly tight race with a Republican neophyte. Jeff Zeleny explains that control of the Senate could very well hinge on who wins the Wisconsin Senate race.
Senator Russ Feingold says he should not be considered the front-runner in his bid for a fourth term. If that self-appraisal is true, Democrats face a greater risk of losing their majority in the Senate than they believed when summer began.
“Frankly, I love being the underdog,” Mr. Feingold said. “Let me have it.” [...] “Clearly if somehow I lost, it would be a sign that we’re getting close to the line,” Mr. Feingold said in an interview on a recent day of campaigning. “We won’t lose, but it is something that is legitimate for me to mention — this seat could determine things.”
As his predicament suggests, Republicans have a better opportunity to win back the Senate than they had once imagined. Their chances of reaching a majority in the House still remain greater. But as the field of competitive races has expanded in the Senate, Republicans no longer have to win every close contest to capture the 51 seats they would need to take control.
Yes, it's only the second of September. And yes: everything I've just quoted has come from the New York Times.
- Comment (2)
- · Quote
- · UnfollowFollow (1)
Comments :
Jun '10
Re: Russ Feingold, Incumbent "Underdog," Sets New Pattern For Dems
Poor Russ. Has been a senator for years and this mean old unknown newcomer has turned him into an underdog. That's his narrative. But I'd suggest his acts in defiance of the will of the majority have turned him into the underdog. May he remain the underdog in November.
May '10
Re: Russ Feingold, Incumbent "Underdog," Sets New Pattern For Dems
Half the (unspoken) point of McCain-Feingold was to lessen the likelihood that incumbents would ever be underdogs. Sweet irony.