MoveOn Out To Rescue 'Progressive Hero' Russ Feingold Alongside Other Groups

Progressive groups are making a strong push to try and save Democratic Sen. Russ Feingold from defeat in his reelection fight against Republican challenger Ron Johnson in Wisconsin.

MoveOn.org, Democracy for America and FireDogLake are all taking part in the electoral rescue mission for the only senator to vote against the Patriot Act. The Hotline reports:

Feingold needs the money. He has $3M in his campaign account, but Johnson has been raising money at a fast clip and has shown he is willing to dip into his own personal fortune.

Fundraising is ongoing, so the donations are still coming in. MoveOn.org has raised $485K in 24 hours, while FireDogLake has raised at least $30K and Democracy For America has brought in about $120K.

Heading into the midterm election season, Feingold seemed to have a relatively easy shot at another term. With election day just weeks away, however, polls show him consistently trailing his Republican challenger.

One of the latest polls, a Time/CNN survey released last week, has Feingold running six points behind Johnson, 45 to 51 percent.

MoveOn issued a warning that efforts must be made to save Feingold, a "Progressive Hero."

Red alert: The latest polls show that Senator Russ Feingold could lose in November. They all him have him down by at least 6 points against a tea party Republican who actually thinks climate change is caused by sunspots. There's a critical fundraising deadline coming up. Can you chip in before the deadline?

According to the group, "There's no better, more principled Democrat" than the Wisconsin Senator.