A recent Isthmus column ("Wisconsin Now Leads in the Attack on Workers and the Poor," 11/27/2014) and then a letter (12/4/2014) suggest that what Democrats need is Russ Feingold back as a candidate. Wisconsin Democrats and Progressives need to look beyond Russ Feingold if they want electoral success. Russ was a great senator, and he is missed. But he lost his last election and he has won others by only thin margins. His election to senator, governor or other office is not guaranteed. Democrats need to work on their message, which was flat in the 2014 elections. They need to broaden their appeal beyond Madison and Milwaukee. They also need to recruit and promote good candidates. A deep bench is a better indicator of future success than having one star player.
Mark K. Allen (via email)