Former Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI), who was defeated for re-election after three terms in the 2010 Republican wave, now says he is considering a possible comeback bid for the state’s other Senate seat, from which Democratic Sen. Herb Kohl is retiring in 2012.
“I am looking at it, but I feel I should take some time to think this through,” Feingold told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “For me the question right now is whether it’s a good idea for me to go back into this sort of life.”
Feingold said he would decide by Labor Day.
A recent survey from Public Policy Polling (D) found that Feingold would likely have a solid lock on the Democratic nomination, giving him a lead of 70%-12% over Rep. Tammy Baldwin, who is also considering a run. (Without Feingold in the race, Baldwin would start out with a plurality over a field of several other Democrats.)
Feingold also said he has been approached about running for one of two offices — the Senate seat, or for governor in a potential recall against Walker in early 2012:
Asked which of those two jobs — senator or governor — held more interest for him, Feingold said “I don’t have any specific thoughts about the different offices.” He said his first decision is whether he wants to be a political candidate again, when “not being in office has certain appeals to it.”
Said Feingold: “I’m not down to the level of which office or when, but I realize I have to come to grips with whether I would be a candidate for Senate in 2012 in the reasonably near future.”
Notably, Feingold will be attending this weekend’s state Democratic Party convention, which is expected to serve as a large rally for the state Senate recalls. However, he declined a speaking slot offered to him by the party, as those are typically given to current officeholders or candidates.
