John McCain and Russ Feingold issued dueling statements regarding the race in Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District.
McCain visited the state yesterday to campaign for Republican John Gard.
Read the statement released by the Gard camp here.
Today, U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) gave his enthusiastic endorsement to John Gard for Congress in the 8th District race. McCain, who is widely known and respected by members of both political parties, told supporters at an Appleton rally that Washington needs more leaders like Gard, who can work in a bi-partisan manner.
“This is a stellar candidate, with a proven track record of accomplishment,” said McCain. He knows how to work in a bi-partisan manner to get things done. We need leaders like John Gard in Congress.”
McCain said he was honored to have the friendship of Gard and touted Gard’s work on SeniorCare, which now benefits more than 100,000 Wisconsin seniors.
...“I am deeply appreciative of the support from Sen. McCain, who has led with courage and integrity,” said Gard. “I can be an effective representative in Congress and get even more done for the people of northeastern Wisconsin by building relationships with people such as Sen. McCain. Like him, I believe that members of Congress need to put politics aside and act in the best interests of the country. We must always remember that we are Americans first, so that our nation will be stronger for future generations.”
Gard's opponent, Democrat Steve Kagen, terrorist slayer, was obviously threatened by McCain's enthusiastic endorsement of John Gard.
Kagen's campaign issued a statement to counter the boost that Gard was likely to get from McCain's visit and support. The statement was from none other than Russ "Don't spy on me" Feingold.
Kagen's press release
Statement of U.S. Senator Russ Feingold on Senator John McCain's Visit to Wisconsin
"John Gard recently called the bipartisan campaign finance reform bill that my friend Senator McCain and I worked to pass “a significant failure” (Door County Advocate, October 13, 2006).
"Nothing could be further from the truth. McCain/Feingold did exactly what it was supposed to do; stop the corrupting influence of soft money on federal elected officials.
WHAT?
Where has Feingold been?
McCain-Feingold hasn't stopped soft money from influencing elections and officials. The legislation just prompted the money to take different routes. Soft money still plays a major role in politics.
The legislation has been ineffective, and that's a kind assessment.
What's the point of this statement from Feingold?
Is he trying to embarrass Gard and brand him a hypocrite for touting McCain's endorsement in spite of his past criticism of McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform?
Just because Gard pointed out the truth about the failures of McCain-Feingold doesn't mean that John McCain's endorsement becomes invalid or insincere.
Unfortunately, Gard’s statement is certainly consistent with his actions in the Wisconsin legislature where he has taken the lead in blocking recent campaign finance and ethics reform legislation.
"Unlike John Gard, Steve Kagen will be a strong partner in our efforts to further reform Washington."
That's silly.
I'm sort of surprised that Feingold agreed to issue such a lame press release.
It's just weird. Gard's opinion of McCain-Feingold is that it has been inadequate in addressing issues of campaign finance and ethics reform.
Unlike Feingold, I don't see the connection between Gard's remark and his record in the state legislature. I don't get it.
One thing that's clear is the dueling press releases from the congressional candidates' campaigns reveal that McCain and Feingold have very different opinions of Gard and Kagen.
McCain believes that Gard will be an asset in Washington. He calls his record "stellar" and cites his ability to work in a bipartisan manner that will help accomplish things for the American people.
That's dramatically different from Feingold's portrayal of Gard.
Of course, McCain is backing the Republican candidate. Naturally, Kagen's campaign wanted some words of support from Feingold to bolster his candidacy. That's understandable.
I wonder if Feingold is as tough as Kagen.
Would Feingold say, "I'm not afraid. I'll put my foot down and stand up if I'm on a plane with a terrorist – I’ll take him out right there"?
I can't picture Feingold saying that, and no way can I imagine him actually doing it. But I digress.
The real question: Is McCain and Feingold's friendship strong enough to weather this Gard and Kagen storm?
I think it is.
The mavericks have been too close for far too long to throw all their history together out the window and part ways.
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