Russ Feingold: “I thank the many Members of this body, past and present, who have helped to bring us to this moment. Most important, as…”

“I thank the many Members of this body, past and present, who have helped to bring us to this moment. Most important, as I mentioned in my other statement, the most important person I have to thank is, of course, my friend, John McCain. I also thank our earliest supporters, who gave their support to the McCain-Feingold bill when it was first introduced in the 104th Congress, Senators such as John Glenn, Paul Simon, Nancy Kassebaum-Baker and Alan Simpson, who gave us crucial bipartisan support when this effort was just getting off the ground. This kind of bipartisan bill wasn't totally unprecedented. But it was pretty unusual, and the support of those distinguished Senators lent important credibility to our effort in its early days. I particularly thank Senator Carl Levin for his leadership and support during every debate we have had on this bill since 1996. His insight on the substance of the issue, and on the workings of this body have been absolutely crucial to the advancement of this legislation.”