Apparently, I overlooked Tim Michels for this position, thinking that Darrow would capitalize on his name recognition, though I voted Welch believing he could best handle Feingold in the debates, and was most qualified for the job.

My question is what is it I missed about Michels? I thought his ad campaign was kind of underwhelming. I'm not sure many people are motivated by "He's a good boss/soldier/daddy, so vote him Senator" and Feingold is very good at playing the political game. Is this going to change and become more substantive for the general election?

If I could pick 4 themes to hit Russ on hard, it would be:

1) McCain-Feingold CFR is a joke/failure or it's designed to keep him in office. Politics is NOT cleaner, or more open. Russ just managed to eliminate those nasty PAC's like Right-to-life so they can't dog him in the election cycle. Allowing his 527 attack dogs do all the dirty work while Russ runs his "sweetness and light" ad campaign. Maybe play the don't be sucked in angle.

2) Russ' support for terrorists over citizen safety. I think he's weak here and this may be Michels' strongest suit.

3) Destroy Russ' "Maverick" reputation by pointing out that his "maverck" votes are NEVER WHEN IT COUNTS. 99-1 is HARDLY MAVERICK if it doesn't tip the ballance. When push comes to shove, Russ' tows the liberal line 100% of the time.

4) Russ' undefensable stand on partial-birth abortion. Never mind the pro-life in general stance (in the campaign), as that's somewhat split. but on partial birth, it's no where near even. Russ can be creamed on it. Make sure you dredge up his senate floor comments on allowing a doctor to murder a POST BIRTH baby (Russ "corrected" the record later, but it may be on tape/video).