Why I did it

In a remark on his way to a post about something else altogether, the Torrid one at LO describes Feingold's censure motion as "important legislation that will go nowhere."

Now, I suspected all along--and TJ has since confirmed--that when he said "go nowhere" he didn't actually mean specifically, well . . . nowhere. He just meant it in the unremarkable sense that, like virtually all Democratic initiatives in Congress these days, it almost certainly won't get passed and might not even get a debate or vote.

Nevertheless:

Having just gotten off the phone with the offices of my two Senators (and Feingold's office), I'm of the opinion that wherever the censure motion is going--and always assuming it has virtually no chance of actual passage--it still ain't going <air quotes>nowhere</air quotes>.

Here's a partial rundown of the good that Feingold's censure motion will likely do:

1. It will embarrass the GOP to have to waste a little more of their dwindling supply of political and PR capital swatting it down.


2. It will achieve a certain amount of consciousness-raising among Feingold's timid Democratic colleagues to the extent that it excites any active response among voters.


3. It will interrupt the already scant coverage of Bush's latest round of speeches on Iraq (offered in lieu of an actual plan for Iraq).


4. It will plant the seed in some confused or scandal-numbed voters that a consequential response to Bush's illegal adventures is both possible and thinkable.


5. It will contribute to the public perception that Feingold may well be presidential timber, and is certainly worth at least a look come primary time.

Now, back to those phone calls. Both Wyden (DC: 202-224-5244 PDX: 503-326-7525) and Smith (DC: 202-224-3753 PDX: 503-326-3386) are still in the "The Senator hasn't made a statement yet but I'd be happy to forward your comment to him" mode, which isn't surprising. If Wyden goes along, it'll only be after he's determined there's a strong following wind already. And Smith . . . well, he's only a moderate at re-election time.

I left a message at Feingold's office (DC: 202-224-5323) thanking him for introducing the censure motion.

And it all only took about 3 minutes. If you need to find your senator's local or DC number, or you're the type who likes to have talking points in front of you before you dial, go here.

(Update: The GOP counter-maneuvering has begun; see FDL's update.)