Russ Feingold: “First, with regard to the matter that just came up on the floor a few minutes ago, I want to clarify an exchange that…”

“First, with regard to the matter that just came up on the floor a few minutes ago, I want to clarify an exchange that occurred with regard to the issue of campaign finance reform. The Senator from Arizona came to the floor and spoke and pointed out that he had heard the minority leader asked unanimous consent that the campaign finance reform issue be added to a unanimous-consent proposal that the majority leader had propounded. The Senator from Minnesota, Senator Wellstone, indicated that he believed a different attempt had been made and that in fact the minority leader had simply suggested that this was a matter that might come up. The Senator from Minnesota asked that I clarify this issue and that it is, in fact, the case that the minority leader, Mr. Daschle, did specifically ask unanimous consent that campaign finance reform be added to the unanimous-consent agreement. So, in fairness, the Senator from Arizona did accurately portray what was requested. Let me just say this, however. It is very important, as the Senator from Arizona indicated, as I know the Senator from Minnesota believes, that this issue remain not a part of partisan bickering.”