From the News of the North -
Washington, D.C. – The Capitol Hill publication Roll Call has reported that Sen. Russ Feingold has held more town hall meetings this year than any other U.S. Senator.
Feingold has held 69 listening sessions this year, with his 70th scheduled for June 26th. According to the report, the next closest senator has held 37 meetings this year. During his first campaign for the U.S. Senate, Feingold pledged to hold listening sessions in every one of Wisconsin’s 72 counties each year, and he has followed through on that pledge, having held 1,293 town hall-style meetings to date.
“Listening to people from every part of Wisconsin is the most important part of being a senator, and it’s also my favorite part of my job,” Feingold said. “My commitment to holding these listening sessions is something I look forward to keeping every year as a way to understand the issues that matter to the people of Wisconsin.”
At the meetings, Feingold makes brief opening remarks and then opens up the floor to whatever topics attendees wish to discuss. The meetings are open to the public and Feingold listens, takes notes and responds to each person who speaks. Since 1993, Feingold has met with about 69,110 Wisconsinites who have attended listening sessions. Over the course of his career, Feingold has logged over 181,000 miles, equal to almost six-and-half times around the planet – all within Wisconsin.
Okay, he does hold listening sessions, but what does he do with the information and opinions that his constituents voice?
ReplyDeleteWell, if they have an opinion that differs from his, or that differs from that of his party leaders, he dismisses them or, worse still, denigrates and insults their "understanding" of the facts of the situation.
In other words, us poor dumb constituents just aren't smart enough to understand the complexities and subtleties of the issue, and therefore our opinions don't matter.