Former Democratic U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold announced this morning that he will try to win back the seat he lost in 2010 to then-political newcomer Ron Johnson. Johnson has proven himself to be a staunch conservative, which may well cause him problems in a presidential election year where the composition of the electorate won't be as friendly to Republicans as it was in the 2010 midterm election. He may not entirely appreciate the circumstances that led to his victory, including an anti-Democratic sentiment and some errors that Feingold committed. At the same time, this race is hardly a slam dunk for Feingold. He will still have to defend his voting record. In addition, the art of running a political campaign has changed a great deal in six years. Finally, it is rare that a former Senator seeking to avenge a defeat is successful. The last time it occurred was in 1934 in Rhode Island when Democrat Peter Gerry defeated Republican Felix Hebert after losing the seat to Hebert six years earlier (courtesy of The Rothenberg Gonzales Report). This should be
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