The 2004 United States Senate election in Wisconsin was held on November 2, 2004. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Russ Feingold won re-election to a third term. As of 2024, this is the last time the Democrats won the Class 3 Senate seat from Wisconsin.
Eugene Hem, perennial candidate and former educator[3]
Campaign
Michels insisted he has more real world experience than Feingold, someone he called an "extreme liberal" who was out of touch with Wisconsin voters.[4] Feingold attacked back by saying that any Republican would be a rubber stamp for President Bush. The incumbent had $2.2 million in the bank, while Michels had already spent $1 million in the primary and had only about $150,000 left.[5]
When the NRSC was convinced in October that Michels had a chance of victory, they pledged $600,000 for him. However, they quickly rescinded this support as a result of negative press garnered by Michels' ads, which were widely viewed as extremely negative and misleading, and due to Feingold's continued large margin over Michels in the polls.[6]
On October 1, a poll showed Feingold leading 52% to 39%.[7] In mid October, another poll showed Feingold winning 48% to 43%. A poll at the end of the month showed him leading 51% to 36%.[8]
