A call for censure issued by U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., to formally reprimand President Bush over domestic wiretapping has been hailed as both unnecessary political grandstanding and an upholding of political integrity.
Feingold's censure has drawn considerable notice due to the lack of political support, including backing from members within the Democratic Party.
Charles Jones, a UW-Madison political science professor, said one of the principal complaints of congressional Democrats is that few senators and members of the House were briefed on the program, making it difficult for them to know exactly what the program entails.
Many of the senators have an uncertain view of the issue, but Feingold stipulated to raise the issue and get people talking about it. He's certainly been effective in doing that,\ Jones said.
Joe Bonfiglio, press secretary for U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl, D-Wis., said via e-mail that the Senate is continuing its investigation into the president's implementation of the domestic wiretapping program.
""It is not clear that censuring the president is the most effective way to bring that program into line with our need to protect national security and civil liberties,"" Bonfiglio said in a statement.
Lack of public party support has left some wondering if Feingold's censure proposal is hurting his political career.
""I think Feingold's career suggests he would do what he thought was right, regardless of whether it would help or hurt him,"" Jones said.
A statement issued by the Democratic Party of Wisconsin said personal attacks on Feingold are desperate attempts to distract attention from the failures of the Bush administration.
Feingold said the American people should not focus on his personal views, but rather the fact that the country was misled by President Bush, according to a March 16 statement. ""While there have been plenty of personal attacks directed at me this week, few have argued the merits. The facts for censure are clear,"" Feingold said.
However, UW-Madison political science professor John Witte said Feingold may potentially hurt the Democratic Party.
""The Democrats see [the censure] as a hopeless task and don't want to be associated with it,"" Witte said. ""It would be hurtful for the party.""
According to Jones, senators face a dilemma in censuring the president because most do not have enough information to draw the conclusion whether or not the president ought to be reprimanded.
Feingold said although all Americans want to combat terrorism and protect the country, citizens should not have to lose their rights in the process.
""One of those fundamental American principles is that the president doesn't get to pick and choose which laws he follows,"" Feingold said.
\
