Feingold Bows Out By: Mark W Adams

Russ Feingold will Not be running for president.

In a letter on his Progressive Patriots Fund website, launched last June to "to explore the possibility of running for president in 2008," Russ has disappointed his supporters by formally withdrawing his quest for higher office.

Via Yahoo News:

MILWAUKEE - U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold (news, bio, voting record) has decided against seeking the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination, saying he wanted to focus on his work in the Senate.

In a letter posted on his political action committee's Web site, Feingold said he was excited that Tuesday's elections gave Democrats control of both chambers of Congress, giving them the chance to "undo much of the damage that one-party rule has done to America."

"We can actually advance progressive solutions to such major issues as guaranteed health care, dependence on oil and our unbalanced trade policies," he wrote.

Feingold, 53, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel he realized he would be a long-shot candidate in a bid for the presidency.

He said running as an underdog appealed to him, but not the way it would "dismantle" his work in the Senate and his personal life.

You can read Feingold's letter here.

This is a gut-check to progressive liberals everywhere, but coming off a terrific election last week, the sting isn't as bad as it could be.

If you haven't figured it out yet, this means you really ought to consider joining Ohio For Edwards. The Ohio For Edwards Blog is open for comments, but under construction -- stay tuned, .