"Progressives United," PAC founded by Democrat Russ Feingold suspends fundraising

MADISON (AP) — "Progressives United," a political action committee founded by Democrat Russ Feingold has suspended its fundraising to avoid the appearance of a conflict with his run for the U.S. Senate.

The PAC's attorney Mike Wittenwyler said Thursday that the PAC was officially suspended on Wednesday, May 20th.

Feingold announced last week that he was running for the Senate against Republican incumbent Ron Johnson.

The race would be a rematch of the 2010 election when Johnson defeated Feingold, an 18-year incumbent.

Wittenwyler says the PAC, which is a separate entity from Feingold's campaign, was not required under the law to suspend fundraising. Feingold has no involvement with the PAC any more.

Johnson campaign manager Betsy Ankney says the real question is whether Feingold will disavow money from super PACs spent to help his campaign.