Ad war continues in Wisconsin's U.S. Senate race; Feingold takes shots at Johnson at convention
ASHWAUBENON -- The 2016 Wisconsin Democratic Party's State Convention in Ashwaubenon this weekend turned into a running joke about presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump -- but Trump wasn't the only target. Russ Feingold took shots at U.S. Senator Ron Johnson over so-called "dark money."
The conservative group Freedom Partners has lobbed $2 million worth of attack ads at Democrat Russ Feingold this spring -- and Feingold shot back at this weekend's convention in Ashwaubenon.
Russ Feingold
"That`s largely paid for by the Koch brothers. It`s part of the out-of-state takeover," Feingold said.
But there are two sides to the ad war.
Feingold got the endorsement of the League of Conservation Voters -- a liberal group that has run ads blasting his opponent, U.S. Senator Ron Johnson.
Johnson's campaign says it's Feingold "saying one thing and doing another."
Johnson attacked during the Republican Party of Wisconsin's convention in May.
Ron Johnson
"A shadow campaign -- a money-making machine. That`s Mr. Campaign Finance Reform," Johnson said.
Feingold has offered to sign a pledge that says if a third-party group airs an ad supporting him, he would donate money to a charity of Johnson's choice.
"Nothing else will work," Feingold said.
Johnson says Feingold has gone back on his pledge made in past campaigns not to allow outside groups to spend money on his behalf.
One thing is clear: The ads will continue.
Asked whether they would ask the groups to stop running them, both men said no.
"I actually believe in freedom of speech," Johnson said.
"Obviously these groups have a constitutional right to do this," Feingold said.
Ron Johnson vs. Russ Feingold
How about an area of agreement? Feingold and Johnson aren't going to their parties' conventions in July. Both said they'll be busy campaigning in Wisconsin -- but it also allows them to avoid potential fights over their parties' presidential nominees.