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MILWAUKEE – Newspapers across Wisconsin, including the state’s five largest newspapers, have weighed in and they have overwhelmingly backed Senator Russ Feingold for reelection. The endorsements came from editorial boards of ranging ideologies, including the traditionally conservative Wisconsin State Journal and Green Bay Press-Gazette. Here’s a sample of why the newspapers have backed Feingold and categorically rejected Republican multimillionaire candidate Ron Johnson (in descending order of circulation size):
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
On Feingold: “They have a senator who possesses a deeper knowledge of the issues, is unafraid on principle to buck his party or a president of any party, has proven he can reach across the aisle, is a harsh foe of legislative pork and excessive spending and has earned the disdain of Washington’s deal-maker, corporate lobbyists.”
On Johnson: “Aside from vapid talking points about TARP and the stimulus bill, Johnson has no answer. Johnson has no answer - or the wrong answer - on many topics.”
Wisconsin State Journal
On Feingold: “Feingold has been forthright and specific, with a strong record of independence and a willingness to take on Washington’s excess and mismanagement — no matter which political party is in charge.”
On Johnson: “He simply didn’t deliver the goods. For example, Feingold’s “Control Spending Now Act” highlights long and specific lists of wasteful spending Feingold is fighting to eliminate. For his part, Johnson couldn’t seem to identify a single trim.”
Green Bay Press-Gazette
On Feingold: “Feingold’s principled independence, knowledge of the issues and tradition of listening to constituents have earned him this newspaper’s endorsement…Feingold has a solid jobs plan and detailed, specific proposals for controlling spending and reducing the federal deficit.”
On Johnson: "...Johnson seemed unable to further articulate his plan or job creation -- especially for the middle class..."
Appleton Post-Crescent
On Feingold: “…a man of principle, integrity, forthrightness and clarity…His track record shows that he's a paragon of responsible governing…”
On Johnson : “Voters have a right to know how a candidate will govern. It's easy to say there's a problem, but we need to know what a candidate's solution is, too. Johnson takes a different view…That's cowardly — a candidate who's trying to get elected rather than being straight with voters.”
Wausau Daily Herald
On Feingold: “Feingold also is by far the more candid, more thoughtful candidate. Agree or disagree with his votes, he takes his responsibility to represent Wisconsin seriously, gives each issue full consideration and is willing to explain to the public straightforwardly why he takes the positions he does.”
On Johnson: “Johnson’s views, by contrast, at times have seemed strangely veiled…he made the bizarre argument that literally any public discussion of foreign policy by a U.S. senator is inappropriate…That does not inspire confidence that he would be an open and honest representative of the people of this state.”
Feingold also won the backing of Johnson’s hometown paper, The Oshkosh Northwestern:
On Feingold: “Feingold embodies the best qualities of Wisconsin we could hope to send to Washington to represent the best interests of our state and nation.”
On Johnson: "His answer to questions in the limited interviews and appearances he has made have shown a propensity for vague and scripted talking points that strike emotional chords without substance or thought.” – The Oshkosh Northwestern (In a column for the paper, Oshkosh Northwestern Managing Editor Jim Fitzhenry noted Johnson refused to meet with his hometown newspaper’s editorial board.)
:kick:
The newspapers figured it out, so even a lot of the dumbest people in the state have to have figured it out by now: Johnson is a very poor candidate.
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