MoveOn is now raising money for Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI), a longtime progressive champion. And they’re really taking the hard sell — with a dire warning that he’s in serious danger.
The TPM Poll Average gives Republican businessman Ron Johnson a lead of 52.2%-43.6%. Polling has suggested that this is in large part due to a severe enthusiasm gap, with Dem voters less likely to turn out in this blue-leaning swing state.
MoveOn has a new fundraising email, out, entitled “Russ Feingold’s in trouble.” The title and the overall phrasing of the message itself seem tailored to jump-start Dems with the necessary sense of urgency.
The key excerpt:
Dear MoveOn member,
Red alert: The latest polls show that Senator Russ Feingold could lose in November. They all have him down by at least 6 points against a tea party Republican who actually thinks climate change is caused by sunspots.
There’s no better, more principled Democrat in Washington than Sen. Feingold: The only senator to vote against the Patriot Act. A steadfast opponent of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. And a passionate crusader against corporate influence in politics.
But since those very corporate interests have already spent $650,000 trying to defeat him, he’s now facing the fight of his political life. Because keeping Sen. Feingold’s voice in the Senate is so important, this race has become our top national priority.
Sen. Feingold’s campaign is up against a critical fundraising deadline that expires tomorrow. Right now he urgently needs the resources to expand his grassroots campaign, reach out to more voters and get his message out in Wisconsin. We’re aiming to raise $300,000 for Sen. Feingold’s campaign before the deadline. Can you chip in $5?
(Emphasis in the original.)
