Posted by Melissa Ryan on March 9, 2010 Categories: On the Trail
I wanted to make sure you saw this email that our field director Paula just sent out about our upcoming Spring Fling statewide canvass on the 20th! We’ll be in communities big and small talking about the great things Russ has done for Wisconsin families.
I’m excited to announce our first statewide canvass of 2010! On Saturday, March 20, Feingold volunteers will canvass door-to-door in 57 cities and towns across Wisconsin. And we’d love to have you join us.
You don’t need to be an experienced canvasser to participate. The campaign will provide training, literature, walking lists, and pair you up with a canvass partner. The only requirement (in addition to being an enthusiastic supporter of Russ!) is a three-hour time commitment.
Russ has always run grassroots campaigns, fueled by dedicated volunteers like you. It’s because of your continued support that we’re able to go door-to-door so early and often. Thanks in advance for your participation and support.
Sincerely,
Paula Zellner Feingold Senate Committee
P.S. Do you know anyone else who might want to join us? Click here to forward this message to them.
Posted by John Kraus on March 8, 2010 Categories: On the Trail
This weekend brought with it some important developments in the campaign that we wanted to make you aware of.
Republican “Uber-Lobbyist” Bill McCoshen went on Mike Gousha’s “UpFront” TV program this weekend and said Tommy Thompson has “the right people in the room,” and that “he's the only one that frankly could win on the Republican side.”
This comes after reports this week that one of Thompson’s colleagues at the DC lobbying shop he works for said, “lots of people in Washington” want him to be Wisconsin’s next Senator. Bob Wood, President of Washington’s most elite GOP lobbying firm has registered websites for Thompson and McCoshen said they are all planning to set up an exploratory committee so Tommy can start raising money from “lots of people in Washington.”
As many of you know Russ had events in Madison and Milwaukee yesterday and we wanted to let you know what Russ had to say:
“So you might ask, well why are all these people in Washington asking Tommy Thompson to run? Because he's their friend. Because he does what they want. That's why they're asking him to run.
“I've spent years and years taking on the special interests. And Tommy Thompson spent years, taking them on as clients. That's the difference between the two of us. That's the difference for Wisconsin as we go forward for this election.”
This is exactly why a lot of people in Wisconsin like you have supported Russ and will continue to support our campaign in this election.
Russ has shown courage standing up to the lobbyist crowd in D.C. He has been tough on wasteful spending, never walking away from a deficit. And he has been an independent voice for the people of Wisconsin, not the special interests in Washington.
So while Tommy Thompson sits in a room with his lobbyist friends in Washington making plans to announce his campaign at the Republican convention in the coming months, we’ll be in Wisconsin hard at work organizing our Spring Fling – our door-to-door, grassroots statewide canvass in communities in every corner of our great state on March 20. Sign up to help out today.
Let’s show “lots of people in Washington” what lots of support for Russ in Wisconsin looks like.
Thank you for standing with Russ every step of the way.
Posted by Beth Pramme on March 8, 2010 Categories: Issues
The Capital Times today ran an editorial on Russ’s dedication to creating good, family-supporting jobs here in Wisconsin through ideas like his landmark E-4 Initiative and aggressive legislation to cut taxes for businesses who hire new workers.
From the editorial:
U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, the Wisconsin Democrat who has made job growth a central focus of his service in recent years, is on target when he says: “The February jobs report shows we still have a long way to go until we see a full recovery in employment and it cannot come fast enough for Wisconsin families who are struggling with unemployment and financial concerns.”
Feingold notes: “The Senate has taken important steps to help get more Americans back to work, including passing a payroll tax break to encourage hiring, along the lines of the one I proposed. I am pleased that yesterday (March 4), the House passed a bill including this tax break for businesses, as well.”
“But,” the senator adds, “we must remain focused on job creation and bringing down the deficit because taxpayers can’t afford more wasteful spending. Putting Wisconsinites back to work is a top priority and I will continue to push for more victories on my E4 Initiative aimed at fueling job creation and economic development for Wisconsin.”
The economy, coupled with unfair trade deals like NAFTA and CAFTA – which Russ voted against – have devastated Wisconsin’s employment opportunities and hurt our families.
The Cap Times is right - the current rate of unemployment is simply unacceptable. But having a proven leader like Russ in the U.S. Senate will go far to getting Wisconsin working again.
Comments »
Originally known as New County, Langlade County was created in 1879 from previously unorganized territories. Its current name comes from Charles de Langlade, a French and Indian War hero, who later established a trading post in what is now Green Bay.
Langlade County, located in the heart of Wisconsin’s Northern Woods, is known for its natural beauty and many recreational activities. It has more than 700 wild lakes, 400 miles of trout streams, and the Wolf River, which is popular for whitewater rafting. Additionally, there are 500 miles of ATV and snowmobiling trails, which are maintained by the county and several local clubs. Skiing, hunting, and horseback riding are also popular activities.
Agriculture plays a vital role in Langlade County. It is Wisconsin’s second-largest producer of potatoes, and among its largest producers of mink. Langlade County also produces Christmas trees and maple syrup.
Facts of Interest
Sheldon's, Inc. manufactures Mepps fishing lures in Antigo and its plant is open for tours. Mepps is touted as the number one fishing lure in the world.
The Fuddfest Country Music Festival is a five-day event that features national country music acts and a karaoke contest for local qualifiers each summer. Fuddfest began in 2003.
Antigo's motto is "The Gateway to Wisconsin's Northwoods."
The Antigo Cheese Company has been operating since 1994. It is known for producing Italian-style cheeses.
The Langlade County Historical Society building was created through a $15,000 grant from the Carnegie Foundation in 1905. The museum displays a large variety of lumbering and Native American artifacts.
Northern Advertising, based in Antigo, has an interesting display of vintage advertising signs on the outside of their building.
Posted by Melissa Ryan on March 1, 2010 Categories: On the Trail
Today, Russ's daughters Jessica and Ellen sent out an email to our friends with a virtual birthday card for Russ.
As you may know, Russ turns 57 tomorrow, March 2, and the girls want to help him celebrate a bit early.
Please take a moment to sign Russ's virtual birthday card and share a message with him!
Tomorrow is our dad's 57th birthday. Traditionally, his supporters in Wisconsin come together to celebrate, and this year we wanted to give you an opportunity to join in the fun!
We have a virtual card here for you to sign. You can leave Dad a message and his campaign will make sure he gets everyone's well wishes tomorrow.
Russ successfully led the charge for the VA to establish new clinics in Sawyer, Barron, La Crosse and Brown counties. Additionally, he helped authorize a new spinal cord unit for the Milwaukee VA Zablocki Medical Center and fought to preserve medical services at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital.
Mike Demske, a decorated Vietnam War Navy Veteran, Swift Boat crew member, and President of the Wisconsin State Council of Vietnam Veterans of America, had this to say about the honor:
“Russ Feingold has demonstrated once again his deep commitment to Wisconsin’s and America’s veterans, as well as his understanding of the special readjustment needs of veterans returning home after serving tours of duty in harm’s way during our nation’s wars. We are indebted to Sen. Feingold for his unwavering commitment and effective leadership within the veterans affairs arena.”
Just following the presentation ceremony, Russ sent out this Tweet: @russfeingold Deeply honored to be chosen 2009 leader of the year by the State Council Vietnam Vets.
Russ will keep up his hard work ensuring our veterans receive the very best care our nation has to offer.
Their brave service demands nothing less.
Please read more about Russ’s fight for our veterans, and follow Russ on Twitter and Facebook to keep up-to-date on the campaign.
Named for Revolutionary War hero, Marquis de Lafayette, Lafayette County is located in southwestern Wisconsin. It is part of Wisconsin’s driftless region, untouched by glaciers.
Lafayette County was first settled by miners in the 1820s who mined ore from its many hills. Many of these historic camps have been restored and are open to the public. The Badger Mine and Museum, located in Shullsburg, moves beyond the industrial aspect of mining and also features displays about everyday life during the mining boom. There is still a small lead mine that allows visitors to spend time in a real mine. The Swindler’s Ridge Museum in Benton also features exhibits on historic and modern lead and zinc mining.
Facts of Interest
Lafayette County was home to Wisconsin's first State Capitol. The building was used only once during the1836 legislative session, after which the Wisconsin Capitol moved to Madison.
Shullsburg Creamery has been in operation since 1934. During World War II, Shullsburg Creamery sold cheese to the United States government.
Located in Darlington is the 1886 Lafayette County Soldiers and Sailors Memorial, which features a life-sized solider on top of a 56-foot-tall pedestal. Father Samuel Mazzuchelli was an early religious leader in the Wisconsin Territory. He built Wisconsin's first "teaching sisterhood" and numerous churches throughout the region. St. Augustine, located in New Diggings, is the last remaining church built by Mazzuchelli.
Outside of Shullsburg, there is a stretch of County Road U that is referred to as "Gravity Hill." If you put your car in neutral on the bottom of the hill, it will allegedly begin to roll up the hill in reverse/backward.
Part of the film Public Enemies was filmed in Darlington, as the town has an historic business district.
“I am pleased the jobs bill passed the Senate with support from both parties. I am especially pleased it includes a payroll tax break, similar to the jobs tax credit I proposed. While not as aggressive as my jobs tax credit legislation, this assistance for businesses should provide some help for Wisconsin businesses and workers. Passage of this bill is important but more must be done, and Congress must remain focused on job creation and bringing down unemployment.”
Russ has been a constant fighter for smart, sensible plans to bring much-needed jobs here to Wisconsin. He is the author of the landmark E4 Initiative and has proposed legislation to introduce deficit-neutral tax credits over the next two years for businesses that hire new employees, expand work hours for their current workforce, or simply raise worker pay.
The plan, which the Obama administration says would cover 31 million additional Americans, is set to be discussed Thursday at a bipartisan summit on health care at the Blair House in Washington.
U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Middleton, praised the proposal's impact on the federal deficit and insurance company abuses.
"I am also pleased that the bipartisan health summit on Thursday will be televised and out in the open where it belongs," Feingold said in a statement. "After listening to the people of Wisconsin, it is clear that they want reform that creates competition and accountability for insurance companies and lowers costs for hardworking families and small businesses."
WisPolitics has Russ's full statement supporting the deficit-reduction benefits of the president's healthcare reform.
Posted by Melissa Ryan on February 22, 2010 Categories: On the Trail
The Feingold Senate Committee is hiring 4 Field Organizers for additional field offices across the state. The positions will begin April 5th, 2010 and run through the November 2010 election. Applicants should expect to work long hours, have access to reliable, insured transportation, and possess a valid US driver's license.
Specific responsibilities of the Field Organizer include:
Recruiting, training and mobilizing volunteers in their assigned regions
Attending regional steering committee meetings in their assigned area
Planning, organizing and executing canvasses, phone banks and visibility events
Expanding contact with Democratic Party County Chairs and Activists
Expanding outreach to constituency groups
Outreach to community leaders and elected officials
Maintaining and updating information in the campaign database
Representing the campaign at community events
Successful applicants will demonstrate the following qualifications:
Strong organizational and time management skills while working independently
Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
Strong work ethic and ability to handle multiple projects
Results-oriented, dependable, and proactive
Prior experience working for or interning with campaigns a plus
Compensation is competitive and commensurate with applicants experience and includes health benefits.Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to State Field Director, Paula Zellner at zellner@russfeingold.org.Deadline for applying is Friday, March 5th.
Posted by Beth Pramme on February 20, 2010 Categories: On the Trail
Earlier today, Russ was joined by his amazing supporters for the grand opening of our La Crosse campaign office! The La Crosse office joins our new offices in Eau Claire, Hudson, and Downtown Madison, as well as our Green Bay office, which we opened back in August. Our offices in Middleton and Milwaukee have been up and running since 2004.
That's 7 offices -- and more are on the way as our team of staff and volunteers keeps growing!
We have 27 active regional campaign steering committees with more than 1,200 members who advise on outreach in their local communities. These committees have been meeting regularly since 2004 and have helped to organize canvasses in 54 communities around the state.
Another statewide canvass is already scheduled for March to add to the more than 17,000 doors we've already knocked on.
Russ and everyone here at the campaign is so proud of the hard work we have done together and we look forward to continuing our fight in the weeks and months leading up to Election Day in November.
Check out more pics from today's opening via our campaign Flickr, and make sure you keep up-to-date on the campaign by following us on Facebook and Twitter.
Posted by Russ Feingold on February 19, 2010 Categories: Issues
I wanted to share with you excerpts from a letter to the editor I wrote to the Sheboygan Press regarding their editorial on earmarks. Wasteful spending in Washington is out of control, and I'm just as sick of it as you are.
There is not enough transparency when it comes to earmarks, and as the editorial pointed out, creating a Web site where the public can view and track earmarks is a good start.
I would like to go even further to crack down on earmark abuses. That's why I introduced a bipartisan bill, the Fiscal Discipline, Earmark Reform, and Accountability Act of 2009, to take aggressive steps to prevent unauthorized earmarks from being slipped into larger spending bills.
I have also joined with Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, in proposing a bill giving the president a line-item veto to remove wasteful earmarks that are snuck into bills. This tool will provide the president with the means to reduce earmarks, as well as promote transparency by highlighting earmark requests.
Named by French settlers who thought the Native American game was similar to the sport of tennis, La Crosse County is part of Wisconsin's driftless region. Known for its historic role in Wisconsin's logging boom, La Crosse County had 33 sawmills in operation between 1850 and 1900. Today one of La Crosse County's largest employers is the Trane Company, founded by James and Reuben Trane. Reuben Trane invented the convector radiator, which was used in the company's heating systems. Today, the Trane Company specializes in air conditioning and heating systems. La Crosse County also boasts several leading universities and colleges including: Viterbo University, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and Western Technical College.
La Crosse County is home to Oktoberfest, USA, modeled after the traditional German Oktoberfest. It is billed as the "Midwest's Largest German Fall Festival" and features authentic German entertainment and food. The La Crosse Speedway, a NASCAR racing track, holds an annual Oktoberfest Race Weekend, a four-day race that runs concurrent to Oktoberfest.
Facts of Interest
Riverside Park in La Crosse has a sculpture named Hiawatha, which marks the spot where the Mississippi, La Crosse and Black Rivers meet. The sculpture weighs 25 tons and was designed by Anthony Zimmerhakl. According to legend, the place where three rivers meet is inherently safe and no natural disaster will occur at that spot. To date, the legend has held true.
Founded by nuns in the mid-1800s, Franciscan Skemp Healthcare (formerly St. Francis Hospital) is now part of the Mayo Clinic.
La Crosse's Rotary Lights display is one of the largest "free holiday lighting displays in the Midwest." The display uses over 2.4 million lights and can be seen from Thanksgiving until New Years. A 140-foot Christmas tree is also on display.
The La Crosse Doll Museum is home to over 7,200 dolls and the "largest collection of Barbies in the Northern Hemisphere."
The former Old Style Brewery in La Crosse was home to the world's largest six-pack of beer. Six large silos were painted to look like Old Style cans; however, the beers have since been painted over.
Elvis Explosion, an Elvis impersonator contest (the web site refers to them as Elvis Tribute Artists) , is held in La Crosse each year. The winner of the La Crosse competition advances to the "Images of the King" contest, which is held on the global level.
I wanted to make sure you saw this. On Friday, right-wing radio host Rush Limbaugh compared Russ to terrorist Osama Bin Laden on his nationally syndicated show.
Limbaugh said the al Qaeda leader's most recent audio tape: "sounds like this could easily be [said by] Russ Feingold, the Senator from Wisconsin."
You can see and listen to Limbaugh's rant via from Media Matters.
This isn't the first time Limbaugh has crossed the line and it won't be the last, but this is the sort of slash and burn politics that we are up against. Extremists and corporate special interests are going to do everything they can do to attack Russ's character.
Send Rush a message by showing your support for Russ. With your continued help we will move our campaign forward together, no matter what gets in our way.
Located on the Door Peninsula, Kewaunee County is one of the top dairy producing counties in Wisconsin. It is estimated that the average cow in Kewaunee County produces 19,300 pounds of milk each year. Agriculture provides 2,199 jobs for residents and generates $42.1 million of the county’s total income. Farmers own or manage 79% of the land in Kewaunee, including cropland, pasture, and tree farms.
Recreational activities are plentiful, with 1,300 acres of public lands for hunting and fishing. Kewaunee County also has four county parks and five inland lakes with public access. White tailed deer and wild turkeys are popular game during open hunting season, with an average of 1,000 deer harvested each year.
Facts of Interest
Wisconsin's oldest winery is the von Stiehl Winery, located in Algoma. The winery was built shortly after the Civil War and was originally known as Ahnapee Brewing. Von Stiehl also hosts the Wet Whistle Wine Fest which features competitive grape stomping. The von Stiehl winery produces 25 varieties of wine.
The Kewaunee Trout Fest features an annual fish boil and Off-Shore Challenge Fishing Tournament in addition to a car show and parade.
The world's largest grandfather clock stands in front of an antique shop in Kewaunee County; it is approximately 25 feet tall.
The first doctor's office in Wisconsin was opened in the city of Kewaunee.
Kewaunee displays the Tug Ludington tugboat that was used during World War II to assist ammunition barges. The tug also participated in the D-Day Normandy invasion.
An original, 1920s fish shanty is located in Algoma. The Art Dettman Fish Shanty is one of the last-remaining, original shanties on Lake Michigan. Each year Algoma holds Shanty Days Celebration of the Lake. The festival lasts for three days and includes a book sale, a 5K walk/run, and a parade.
The Kewaunee County Area Barn Quilts Driving Tour features 18 paintings by local 4-H and FFA members. The students painted quilt patterns for historic barns in Kewaunee County, which comprise a driving tour through the area.
Bluegrass on the Lakeshore is a three-day festival hosted by Kewaunee County that features Bluegrass bands from throughout the county.
Located in the southeastern corner of Wisconsin, Kenosha County’s name is derived from the Chippewa word Mas-ke-no-zha which means “place of the pike.” Situated alongside Lake Michigan, Kenosha is one of Wisconsin’s fastest growing counties.
Thomas Jeffery first produced the Rambler in Kenosha County. The Rambler was a Model C car and the second mass-produced automobile in the United States. It was also the first car to come with a spare tire. Kenosha has a storied history in the automobile industry and has been home to many well-known automakers including Nash Motor Company, American Motors Company and DaimlerChrysler.
Major employers in Kenosha County include Jelly Belly Candy Co., Jockey International, Snap-on, Ocean Spray, and G. LeBlanc Corporation. The oldest, continually operating velodrome (bicycle racing track) in the United States is in Kenosha, and weekly races are still held there. Kenosha County is also home to several museums including the Civil War Museum, the only museum that focuses on Civil War History in the Upper Midwest, and the Dinosaur Discovery Museum which houses the Carthage Institute of Paleontology.
Facts of Interest
Pleasant Prairie is home to a Jelly Belly factory and provides a tour of their warehouse complete with large, suspended jelly beans hanging from the ceiling.
Kenosha's Keno Family Outdoor Theatre is Wisconsin's oldest drive-in movie theatre.
Orson Welles was born in Kenosha and lived there until he was four years old.
Frank's Diner has been featured on an episode of the Food Network's "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives." The diner has been in business for 80 years and is an historic "lunch car diner." Frank's is located in Kenosha and is famous for "Frank's Garbage Plate," which is made with whatever ingredients the chef chooses.
Wisconsin's oldest mushroom farm is located in Kenosha County. River Valley Ranch has been in business since 1976 and sells a wide variety of mushrooms, including portabella. The Culver's in Kenosha County uses a water heater powered by used vegetable oil.
Some reactions to Terrence Wall's announced candidacy, and the most recent revelations that Mr. Wall hasn't paid state income taxes 4 out of the past 5 years.
I find it amusing that Republican Terrence Wall, who wishes to become a United States Senator, feels paying income taxes is best left to the little guy. The multi-millionaire has not paid any income taxes to Wisconsin four out of the last five years. And yet he wishes to convince voters that he should be the one representing our values and interests in Washington as a United States Senator. I am quite certain than not even conservative Republicans in Wisconsin can endorse or support such behavior.
And now, consider this: the multi-millionaire Mr. Wall has not paid any income taxes to Wisconsin four out of the last five years. Despite having an income somewhere between $3,500,000 and $15,000,000 million, and having personal assets worth $58,584,046 to $129,862,000, Wall has not paid a cent to the state of Wisconsin since 2005.
How does a real-estate developer with at least $58 million in assets manage to not pay income taxes?
I’m no accountant, but something isn’t right. Terrence Wall has dodged taxes using a pumpkin patch, but this is a bombshell. He just loaned his campaign $275,000, and he can’t pay the taxes he will have the power to levy, if elected?
The fact that Terrence Wall has not paid Wisconsin state income taxes in four of the past five years just underscores that he’s a candidate who has little – if anything – in common with middle class folks here in Wisconsin, folks who pay their taxes each and every year, and folks who can’t exploit every tax loophole known to man in order to avoid paying their fair share of taxes.
On the other hand, I don't think that his main opponent in 2010, Terrence Wall, is up to the task. Check out his issues page. It's very general, very vague. Mr. Wall says: Enough Talk. It’s Time for Solutions!
Does he not realize that the United States Senate is a deliberative body? If he thinks he can go in there and just start ordering people around, there is no way he will ever be an effective advocate for Wisconsin.
And really, how in touch with the average Wisconsinite can he be considering Terrence Wall didn't pay income taxes 4 out of the last 5 years.
Posted by Trevor Miller on January 19, 2010 Categories: On the Trail
Russ recorded a video from the road that we wanted to share with you.
As the two Republican primary candidates start gearing up their campaigns, let’s make sure that they do what Russ has done – visit all 72 Wisconsin counties, listen to people, and meet with voters face to face, so they can hear from you about your challenges and the solutions you want. You deserve that much from them.
As you probably heard, one of our opponents, multimillionaire, real estate magnate Terrence Wall, wrote a $275,000 check to his campaign last week and he is talking about spending seven to ten million dollars on this election. Wall has also set up a “Senator’s Club” and is asking people to “max out” in return for special access to his campaign.
Our campaign couldn’t be more different. As always Russ is relying on your grassroots support.
So please sign up to volunteer for the campaign today or visit one of our campaign offices listed below to help us build our campaign to move Wisconsin and our country forward.
Eau Claire 405 S. Barstow Street Eau Claire, WI 54701 (715) 836-7915
Green Bay 1061 W Mason St Green Bay, WI 53403 (920) 497-1375
Hudson 206 2nd Street, C-1 Hudson, WI 54016 (715) 381-3525
La Crosse 116 5th Avenue South La Crosse, WI 54601 (608) 782-1588
Madison-Campus 125 W. Mifflin Street Madison, WI 53703 (608) 251-3500
Milwaukee 207 E Buffalo St, Ste 302, Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414) 727-5682
Thank you again for all that you have done to support Russ’s campaign.
Posted by Russ Feingold on January 18, 2010 Categories:
My thoughts are with the people of Haiti in the wake of the devastating earthquake that has taken many lives and caused overwhelming damage. As the Obama administration organizes relief efforts to get the Haitian people much-needed assistance, we stand ready to help our Haitian neighbors with whatever assistance we can provide.
Today I'm asking you to make a donation to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund. Your donations will be used for immediate relief and long term recovery efforts.
You can also text the word "QUAKE" to 20222 to donate $10, charged to your cell phone bill, to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.
Once again, I extend my deepest sympathies to the Haitian people and people around the world who lost friends and loved ones in this terrible disaster.
Juneau County is home to Wisconsin's second (Petenwell) and fourth (Castle Rock) largest inland lakes, both of which were created by power dams. It has more than 800 farms, which produce a wide range of agricultural commodities, including: dairy, emu, bison and sheep. Necedah National Wildlife Refuge provides a home to cranes, wolves, butterflies, swans, flying squirrels and numerous plant varieties. The Cranberry Creek Archeological District is also part of the refuge; it contains effigy mounds from the Woodland Culture which predated the Ho-Chunk.
Volk Field Air National Guard Base, a military airport located in Juneau County’s Camp Douglas, houses Camp Williams, the home of the Wisconsin National Guard. Volk field is one of only four Air National Guard Combat Readiness Training Centers in the U.S. It is also the only Training Center that does not share it’s airfield with a civilian airport.
Facts of Interest
Juneau County is named after French trader Solomon Juneau, who later became Milwaukee's first mayor.
After Juneau County resident Mary Ann Van Hoof experienced numerous religious visions, ranging from 1949 to 1984, the city of Necedah has maintained a shrine of religious statues and relics based on her visions. There are depictions of the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, among other statues.
As part of Juneau County's Waterfest, residents can participate in the Venetian Boat Parade where they decorate their boats and display them on the water. There is also a dueling fireworks display with Adams County.
Built in 1875, the Boorman House serves as Juneau County's Historical Society. The home is decorated with "period pieces" and contains the county's historical records.
Three state bicycle trails meet in Elroy: The "400" State Trial, the Elroy-Sparta Trail, the Juneau County Omaha Trail. The Elroy-Sparta Trial was the first "Rails to Trails" bicycle trail in the United States.
Posted by Melissa Ryan on March 9, 2010
Categories: On the Trail
I wanted to make sure you saw this email that our field director Paula just sent out about our upcoming Spring Fling statewide canvass on the 20th! We’ll be in communities big and small talking about the great things Russ has done for Wisconsin families.
Comments »I hope you can join us on March 20!
Posted by John Kraus on March 8, 2010
Categories: On the Trail
This weekend brought with it some important developments in the campaign that we wanted to make you aware of.
Republican “Uber-Lobbyist” Bill McCoshen went on Mike Gousha’s “UpFront” TV program this weekend and said Tommy Thompson has “the right people in the room,” and that “he's the only one that frankly could win on the Republican side.”
This comes after reports this week that one of Thompson’s colleagues at the DC lobbying shop he works for said, “lots of people in Washington” want him to be Wisconsin’s next Senator. Bob Wood, President of Washington’s most elite GOP lobbying firm has registered websites for Thompson and McCoshen said they are all planning to set up an exploratory committee so Tommy can start raising money from “lots of people in Washington.”
As many of you know Russ had events in Madison and Milwaukee yesterday and we wanted to let you know what Russ had to say:
This is exactly why a lot of people in Wisconsin like you have supported Russ and will continue to support our campaign in this election.
Russ has shown courage standing up to the lobbyist crowd in D.C. He has been tough on wasteful spending, never walking away from a deficit. And he has been an independent voice for the people of Wisconsin, not the special interests in Washington.
So while Tommy Thompson sits in a room with his lobbyist friends in Washington making plans to announce his campaign at the Republican convention in the coming months, we’ll be in Wisconsin hard at work organizing our Spring Fling – our door-to-door, grassroots statewide canvass in communities in every corner of our great state on March 20. Sign up to help out today.
Let’s show “lots of people in Washington” what lots of support for Russ in Wisconsin looks like.
Comments »Thank you for standing with Russ every step of the way.
Posted by Beth Pramme on March 8, 2010
Categories: Issues
The Capital Times today ran an editorial on Russ’s dedication to creating good, family-supporting jobs here in Wisconsin through ideas like his landmark E-4 Initiative and aggressive legislation to cut taxes for businesses who hire new workers.
From the editorial:
The economy, coupled with unfair trade deals like NAFTA and CAFTA – which Russ voted against – have devastated Wisconsin’s employment opportunities and hurt our families.
The Cap Times is right - the current rate of unemployment is simply unacceptable. But having a proven leader like Russ in the U.S. Senate will go far to getting Wisconsin working again. Comments »
Posted by Melissa Ryan on March 3, 2010
Categories: 72 Counties in 72 Weeks
Originally known as New County, Langlade County was created in 1879 from previously unorganized territories. Its current name comes from Charles de Langlade, a French and Indian War hero, who later established a trading post in what is now Green Bay.
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Sheldon's, Inc. manufactures Mepps fishing lures in Antigo and its plant is open for tours. Mepps is touted as the number one fishing lure in the world.
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The Fuddfest Country Music Festival is a five-day event that features national country music acts and a karaoke contest for local qualifiers each summer. Fuddfest began in 2003.
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Antigo's motto is "The Gateway to Wisconsin's Northwoods."
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The Antigo Cheese Company has been operating since 1994. It is known for producing Italian-style cheeses.
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The Langlade County Historical Society building was created through a $15,000 grant from the Carnegie Foundation in 1905. The museum displays a large variety of lumbering and Native American artifacts.
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Northern Advertising, based in Antigo, has an interesting display of vintage advertising signs on the outside of their building.
Comments »Posted by Melissa Ryan on March 1, 2010
Categories: On the Trail
Today, Russ's daughters Jessica and Ellen sent out an email to our friends with a virtual birthday card for Russ.
As you may know, Russ turns 57 tomorrow, March 2, and the girls want to help him celebrate a bit early.
Please take a moment to sign Russ's virtual birthday card and share a message with him!
Comments »Posted by Beth Pramme on February 25, 2010
Categories: What They're Saying ; Issues
Last week the Wisconsin State Council of Vietnam Veterans of America presented Russ with the 2009 Wisconsin Government Leader of the Year award.
The Council recognized him in part due to his leadership in the “successful bipartisan effort to ensure the opening of new USDVA Vet Centers in Brown and La Crosse counties.”
Russ successfully led the charge for the VA to establish new clinics in Sawyer, Barron, La Crosse and Brown counties. Additionally, he helped authorize a new spinal cord unit for the Milwaukee VA Zablocki Medical Center and fought to preserve medical services at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital.
Mike Demske, a decorated Vietnam War Navy Veteran, Swift Boat crew member, and President of the Wisconsin State Council of Vietnam Veterans of America, had this to say about the honor:
Just following the presentation ceremony, Russ sent out this Tweet: @russfeingold Deeply honored to be chosen 2009 leader of the year by the State Council Vietnam Vets.
Russ will keep up his hard work ensuring our veterans receive the very best care our nation has to offer.
Their brave service demands nothing less.
Please read more about Russ’s fight for our veterans, and follow Russ on Twitter and Facebook to keep up-to-date on the campaign.
Comments »Posted by Melissa Ryan on February 25, 2010
Categories: 72 Counties in 72 Weeks
Named for Revolutionary War hero, Marquis de Lafayette, Lafayette County is located in southwestern Wisconsin. It is part of Wisconsin’s driftless region, untouched by glaciers.
Lafayette County was first settled by miners in the 1820s who mined ore from its many hills. Many of these historic camps have been restored and are open to the public. The Badger Mine and Museum, located in Shullsburg, moves beyond the industrial aspect of mining and also features displays about everyday life during the mining boom. There is still a small lead mine that allows visitors to spend time in a real mine. The Swindler’s Ridge Museum in Benton also features exhibits on historic and modern lead and zinc mining.
Facts of Interest
- Lafayette County was home to Wisconsin's first State Capitol. The building was used only once during the1836 legislative session, after which the Wisconsin Capitol moved to Madison.
- Shullsburg Creamery has been in operation since 1934. During World War II, Shullsburg Creamery sold cheese to the United States government.
- Located in Darlington is the 1886 Lafayette County Soldiers and Sailors Memorial, which features a life-sized solider on top of a 56-foot-tall pedestal.
- Outside of Shullsburg, there is a stretch of County Road U that is referred to as "Gravity Hill." If you put your car in neutral on the bottom of the hill, it will allegedly begin to roll up the hill in reverse/backward.
- Part of the film Public Enemies was filmed in Darlington, as the town has an historic business district.
Comments »Father Samuel Mazzuchelli was an early religious leader in the Wisconsin Territory. He built Wisconsin's first "teaching sisterhood" and numerous churches throughout the region. St. Augustine, located in New Diggings, is the last remaining church built by Mazzuchelli.
Posted by Beth Pramme on February 24, 2010
Categories: Issues
Today, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan jobs bill 70-28.
Russ had this to say about the measure:
Russ has been a constant fighter for smart, sensible plans to bring much-needed jobs here to Wisconsin. He is the author of the landmark E4 Initiative and has proposed legislation to introduce deficit-neutral tax credits over the next two years for businesses that hire new employees, expand work hours for their current workforce, or simply raise worker pay.
Comments »Posted by Beth Prammeon February 23, 2010
Categories: Issues
I wanted to make sure I shared the latest on President Obama's healthcare proposal with you, including Russ's statement.
From WisPolitics DC Wrap:
WisPolitics has Russ's full statement supporting the deficit-reduction benefits of the president's healthcare reform.
Comments »Posted by Melissa Ryan on February 22, 2010
Categories: On the Trail
The Feingold Senate Committee is hiring 4 Field Organizers for additional field offices across the state. The positions will begin April 5th, 2010 and run through the November 2010 election. Applicants should expect to work long hours, have access to reliable, insured transportation, and possess a valid US driver's license.
Successful applicants will demonstrate the following qualifications:
Compensation is competitive and commensurate with applicants experience and includes health benefits. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to State Field Director, Paula Zellner at zellner@russfeingold.org. Deadline for applying is Friday, March 5th.
Comments »Posted by Beth Pramme on February 20, 2010
Categories: On the Trail
Earlier today, Russ was joined by his amazing supporters for the grand opening of our La Crosse campaign office! The La Crosse office joins our new offices in Eau Claire, Hudson, and Downtown Madison, as well as our Green Bay office, which we opened back in August. Our offices in Middleton and Milwaukee have been up and running since 2004.
That's 7 offices -- and more are on the way as our team of staff and volunteers keeps growing!
We have 27 active regional campaign steering committees with more than 1,200 members who advise on outreach in their local communities. These committees have been meeting regularly since 2004 and have helped to organize canvasses in 54 communities around the state.
Another statewide canvass is already scheduled for March to add to the more than 17,000 doors we've already knocked on.
Russ and everyone here at the campaign is so proud of the hard work we have done together and we look forward to continuing our fight in the weeks and months leading up to Election Day in November.
Check out more pics from today's opening via our campaign Flickr, and make sure you keep up-to-date on the campaign by following us on Facebook and Twitter.
Comments »Posted by Russ Feingold on February 19, 2010
Categories: Issues
I wanted to share with you excerpts from a letter to the editor I wrote to the Sheboygan Press regarding their editorial on earmarks. Wasteful spending in Washington is out of control, and I'm just as sick of it as you are.
You can read the text of the full letter here.
Comments »Posted by Melissa Ryan on February 9, 2010
Categories: 72 Counties in 72 Weeks
Named by French settlers who thought the Native American game was similar to the sport of tennis, La Crosse County is part of Wisconsin's driftless region. Known for its historic role in Wisconsin's logging boom, La Crosse County had 33 sawmills in operation between 1850 and 1900. Today one of La Crosse County's largest employers is the Trane Company, founded by James and Reuben Trane. Reuben Trane invented the convector radiator, which was used in the company's heating systems. Today, the Trane Company specializes in air conditioning and heating systems. La Crosse County also boasts several leading universities and colleges including: Viterbo University, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and Western Technical College.
La Crosse County is home to Oktoberfest, USA, modeled after the traditional German Oktoberfest. It is billed as the "Midwest's Largest German Fall Festival" and features authentic German entertainment and food. The La Crosse Speedway, a NASCAR racing track, holds an annual Oktoberfest Race Weekend, a four-day race that runs concurrent to Oktoberfest.
Facts of Interest
Comments »Posted by Melissa Ryan on February 3, 2010
Categories: What They're Saying
I wanted to make sure you saw this. On Friday, right-wing radio host Rush Limbaugh compared Russ to terrorist Osama Bin Laden on his nationally syndicated show.
Limbaugh said the al Qaeda leader's most recent audio tape: "sounds like this could easily be [said by] Russ Feingold, the Senator from Wisconsin."
You can see and listen to Limbaugh's rant via from Media Matters.
This isn't the first time Limbaugh has crossed the line and it won't be the last, but this is the sort of slash and burn politics that we are up against. Extremists and corporate special interests are going to do everything they can do to attack Russ's character.
Send Rush a message by showing your support for Russ. With your continued help we will move our campaign forward together, no matter what gets in our way.
Comments »Posted by Melissa Ryan on February 1, 2010
Categories: 72 Counties in 72 Weeks
Located on the Door Peninsula, Kewaunee County is one of the top dairy producing counties in Wisconsin. It is estimated that the average cow in Kewaunee County produces 19,300 pounds of milk each year. Agriculture provides 2,199 jobs for residents and generates $42.1 million of the county’s total income. Farmers own or manage 79% of the land in Kewaunee, including cropland, pasture, and tree farms.
Recreational activities are plentiful, with 1,300 acres of public lands for hunting and fishing. Kewaunee County also has four county parks and five inland lakes with public access. White tailed deer and wild turkeys are popular game during open hunting season, with an average of 1,000 deer harvested each year.
Facts of Interest
- Wisconsin's oldest winery is the von Stiehl Winery, located in Algoma. The winery was built shortly after the Civil War and was originally known as Ahnapee Brewing. Von Stiehl also hosts the Wet Whistle Wine Fest which features competitive grape stomping. The von Stiehl winery produces 25 varieties of wine.
- The Kewaunee Trout Fest features an annual fish boil and Off-Shore Challenge Fishing Tournament in addition to a car show and parade.
- The world's largest grandfather clock stands in front of an antique shop in Kewaunee County; it is approximately 25 feet tall.
- The first doctor's office in Wisconsin was opened in the city of Kewaunee.
- Kewaunee displays the Tug Ludington tugboat that was used during World War II to assist ammunition barges. The tug also participated in the D-Day Normandy invasion.
- An original, 1920s fish shanty is located in Algoma. The Art Dettman Fish Shanty is one of the last-remaining, original shanties on Lake Michigan. Each year Algoma holds Shanty Days Celebration of the Lake. The festival lasts for three days and includes a book sale, a 5K walk/run, and a parade.
- The Kewaunee County Area Barn Quilts Driving Tour features 18 paintings by local 4-H and FFA members. The students painted quilt patterns for historic barns in Kewaunee County, which comprise a driving tour through the area.
- Bluegrass on the Lakeshore is a three-day festival hosted by Kewaunee County that features Bluegrass bands from throughout the county.
Comments »Posted by Melissa Ryan on January 26, 2010
Categories: 72 Counties in 72 Weeks
Located in the southeastern corner of Wisconsin, Kenosha County’s name is derived from the Chippewa word Mas-ke-no-zha which means “place of the pike.” Situated alongside Lake Michigan, Kenosha is one of Wisconsin’s fastest growing counties.
Thomas Jeffery first produced the Rambler in Kenosha County. The Rambler was a Model C car and the second mass-produced automobile in the United States. It was also the first car to come with a spare tire. Kenosha has a storied history in the automobile industry and has been home to many well-known automakers including Nash Motor Company, American Motors Company and DaimlerChrysler.
Major employers in Kenosha County include Jelly Belly Candy Co., Jockey International, Snap-on, Ocean Spray, and G. LeBlanc Corporation. The oldest, continually operating velodrome (bicycle racing track) in the United States is in Kenosha, and weekly races are still held there. Kenosha County is also home to several museums including the Civil War Museum, the only museum that focuses on Civil War History in the Upper Midwest, and the Dinosaur Discovery Museum which houses the Carthage Institute of Paleontology.
Facts of Interest
- Pleasant Prairie is home to a Jelly Belly factory and provides a tour of their warehouse complete with large, suspended jelly beans hanging from the ceiling.
- Kenosha's Keno Family Outdoor Theatre is Wisconsin's oldest drive-in movie theatre.
- Orson Welles was born in Kenosha and lived there until he was four years old.
- Frank's Diner has been featured on an episode of the Food Network's "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives." The diner has been in business for 80 years and is an historic "lunch car diner." Frank's is located in Kenosha and is famous for "Frank's Garbage Plate," which is made with whatever ingredients the chef chooses.
- Wisconsin's oldest mushroom farm is located in Kenosha County. River Valley Ranch has been in business since 1976 and sells a wide variety of mushrooms, including portabella.
Comments »The Culver's in Kenosha County uses a water heater powered by used vegetable oil.
Posted by Melissa Ryan on January 19, 2010
Categories: What They're Saying
Some reactions to Terrence Wall's announced candidacy, and the most recent revelations that Mr. Wall hasn't paid state income taxes 4 out of the past 5 years.
Caffeinated Politics:
Haas414:
Pretty Important Politics:
Blogging Blue:
Forward Our Motto:
Also check out:
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MyDD: WI-Sen: Feingold Opponent Paid No State Income Tax In 4 Of Last 5 Years
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The Sconz: Terrence Wall has avoided state income taxes
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Forward Our Motto:Terrence Wall: Not Good with Honesty
Comments »Posted by Trevor Miller on January 19, 2010
Categories: On the Trail
Russ recorded a video from the road that we wanted to share with you.
As the two Republican primary candidates start gearing up their campaigns, let’s make sure that they do what Russ has done – visit all 72 Wisconsin counties, listen to people, and meet with voters face to face, so they can hear from you about your challenges and the solutions you want. You deserve that much from them.
As you probably heard, one of our opponents, multimillionaire, real estate magnate Terrence Wall, wrote a $275,000 check to his campaign last week and he is talking about spending seven to ten million dollars on this election. Wall has also set up a “Senator’s Club” and is asking people to “max out” in return for special access to his campaign.
Our campaign couldn’t be more different. As always Russ is relying on your grassroots support.
So please sign up to volunteer for the campaign today or visit one of our campaign offices listed below to help us build our campaign to move Wisconsin and our country forward.
Eau Claire
405 S. Barstow Street
Eau Claire, WI 54701
(715) 836-7915
Green Bay
1061 W Mason St
Green Bay, WI 53403
(920) 497-1375
Hudson
206 2nd Street, C-1
Hudson, WI 54016
(715) 381-3525
La Crosse
116 5th Avenue South
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 782-1588
Madison-Campus
125 W. Mifflin Street
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 251-3500
Milwaukee
207 E Buffalo St, Ste 302,
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 727-5682
Thank you again for all that you have done to support Russ’s campaign.
Comments »Posted by Russ Feingold on January 18, 2010
Categories:
My thoughts are with the people of Haiti in the wake of the devastating earthquake that has taken many lives and caused overwhelming damage. As the Obama administration organizes relief efforts to get the Haitian people much-needed assistance, we stand ready to help our Haitian neighbors with whatever assistance we can provide.
Today I'm asking you to make a donation to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund. Your donations will be used for immediate relief and long term recovery efforts.
Help Haiti - Donate to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund
You can also text the word "QUAKE" to 20222 to donate $10, charged to your cell phone bill, to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.
Once again, I extend my deepest sympathies to the Haitian people and people around the world who lost friends and loved ones in this terrible disaster.
Comments »Posted by Melissa Ryan on January 18, 2010
Categories: 72 Counties in 72 Weeks
Juneau County is home to Wisconsin's second (Petenwell) and fourth (Castle Rock) largest inland lakes, both of which were created by power dams. It has more than 800 farms, which produce a wide range of agricultural commodities, including: dairy, emu, bison and sheep. Necedah National Wildlife Refuge provides a home to cranes, wolves, butterflies, swans, flying squirrels and numerous plant varieties. The Cranberry Creek Archeological District is also part of the refuge; it contains effigy mounds from the Woodland Culture which predated the Ho-Chunk.
Volk Field Air National Guard Base, a military airport located in Juneau County’s Camp Douglas, houses Camp Williams, the home of the Wisconsin National Guard. Volk field is one of only four Air National Guard Combat Readiness Training Centers in the U.S. It is also the only Training Center that does not share it’s airfield with a civilian airport.
Facts of Interest
Comments »