Russell Feingold

(1953- )

Wisconsin Progressivism is the guiding principle behind Russ Feingold's work in the U.S. Senate.

During his childhood in Janesville, Wisconsin, Feingold's political views were shaped by discussions at the family dinner table and his father's early involvement in the Progressive Movement. In Janesville's public schools, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and later practicing law in Madison and serving in the Wisconsin State Senate, Feingold has built his life in Wisconsin, and today works to honor the state's traditions in the U.S. Senate.

For Feingold, that means carrying forward the work of great Wisconsin leaders like Bob La Follette and Gaylord Nelson by supporting Wisconsin's families -- fighting for better wages and a stronger Social Security program, and striving for the best in public education and quality health care for every American. By visiting each of Wisconsin's 72 counties every year and holding Listening Sessions in every county, Feingold stays in touch with Wisconsin's communities.

Since 1995, Feingold has spearheaded a national, bipartisan effort, with Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona, to clean up our nation's corrupt campaign finance system. As part of his effort to lessen the influence of money in Washington, Feingold also led the charge on the successful passage of the congressional gift ban in 1995.

Feingold also works to protect Wisconsin's environment by protecting our clean air, the quality of our water, and our public lands. He also represents Wisconsin on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he works to make human rights concerns a higher priority on the U.S. foreign policy agenda.

Source: Senator Russell Feingold. U.S. Senate