Russ Feingold: “when I first heard that Bob Kerrey had decided not to run again, I knew the Senate was losing a true American original…”

“when I first heard that Bob Kerrey had decided not to run again, I knew the Senate was losing a true American original, and a big part of what makes the Senate special. From my first moments in the Senate back in 1993, there was one thing I could tell right away--Bob Kerrey is a true leader. In an age of poll-driven politics, Bob Kerrey isn't afraid to ruffle a few feathers to raise the level of debate and work for the greater good. He has sparked debate on the big issues: saving Social Security, controlling federal spending, guaranteeing the right to health insurance, and helping the poor, just to name a few. I was proud to work with him on the bipartisan deficit reduction package he spearheaded with former Senator Hank Brown of Colorado, and I'm proud to have a colleague with such a sincere commitment to fiscal responsibility. He fought to balance the federal budget when others said it could not be done. As Chair of the Bipartisan Commission on Entitlement and Tax Reform, Bob Kerrey directed our attention to the long-term challenges that we need to heed. Bob Kerrey is a pleasure to work with, but he is also a courageous public servant who is willing to stand alone when it is necessary. In addition to his heroic record of public service, he is a hero who served his country valiantly in the Vietnam War.”