**ADVANCE FOR USE STARTING MONDAY DEC. 27 ** FILE ** This Nov 2, 2010 file photo shows Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., making his concession speech to his supporters in Middleton, Wis., after loosing to Republican challenger Ron Johnson. (AP Photo/Joe Koshollek) (Photo: )
WASHINGTON -- Wisconsin Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Russ Feingold has asked incumbent Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) to join him in pledging to keep outside money from super PACs and nonprofits out of their campaign.
If Johnson agrees, the so-called Badger Pledge would require the candidates to pay out half of the cost of any independent expense by a supportive group intervening in the race to a charity. Covered expenses would include express support or opposition of a candidate and the less-defined issue advocacy that includes an attack or boost of a particular candidate, but stops short of calling for their election or defeat.
The pledge would target television, radio and online advertising by independent groups. This would still allow independent expenditures by groups on flyers, direct mail, phone banks and door-to-door canvassing.
"Senator Ron Johnson and I agree that in this election Wisconsinites deserve a substantive debate on the issues, a desire that could be derailed by limitless anonymous spending and the influence of third party groups," Feingold said in a statement.
Johnson's campaign didn't immediately answer a request for comment.
The pledge offered by Feingold is modeled on one made by then-Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) and challenger Elizabeth Warren (D) in their 2012 race. That campaign was anticipated to attract tens of millions of dollars in outside attack ads, but with the pledge, groups largely held their fire. Independent groups limited their spending to $8 million and avoided television and radio advertising.
There have been a few additional cases, including the Rhode Island gubernatorial Democratic Party primary, where similar pledges were successful.
Recent Wisconsin Senate races have seen huge spending by outside groups. The 2012 contest between Democrat Tammy Baldwin and Republican Tommy Thompson saw $40 million in independent spending, the second-highest total of any Senate race that year.
Feingold, a noted campaign finance reform proponent who lost his Senate seat to Johnson in 2010, has found himself in the tricky situation of being an outspoken opponent of the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision, which gave birth to the new era of independent spending, while not wanting to refuse support from Democratic Party super PACs.
"Now that the Supreme Court has ruled that these people have a constitutional right to do this, it's deeply unfortunate, but that's their right," Feingold told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. "So if a candidate takes the view, which I do, that there shouldn't be any of these organizations, they don't have to listen to me. But I'm going to say right here, I don't think there should be any super PACs."
Thomas Steyer: $20.8 Million
Thomas Steyer, former head of the San Francisco-based hedge fund Farallon Capital, has given $20,753,000 to super PACs in the 2014 election. A staunch environmentalist, Steyer has donated $20,253,000 to the super PAC he founded to help elect more lawmakers who support action on climate change. Steyer also gave $500,000 to Senate Majority PAC. CE Action Committee (formerly NextGen Committee) spent millions in 2013 to support Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) in his successful special election bid and to help Democrat Terry McAuliffe win the Virginia governorship. Steyer told Bloomberg Businessweek that he wants to push climate change into election conversations in 2014 and beyond. "If you look at the 2012 campaign, climate change was like incest -- something you couldn't talk about in polite company," he said. Steyer was not a super PAC donor in the 2012 election.
Michael Bloomberg: $9.4 Million
Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has donated $9,421,679 to super PACs in the 2014 election cycle. He contributed more than $6.1 million to Independence USA PAC, his own group; $2.5 million to Senate Majority PAC, which supports Democratic Senate candidates; $250,000 to Mississippi Conservatives, which supported Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.); $250,000 to West Main Street Values, supporting Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.); and $100,000 to Americans for Responsible Solutions, the pro-gun control super PAC founded by former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.). In 2013, Independence USA PAC spent big to support pro-gun control candidates in the special election for Illinois' 2nd Congressional District and in both the Virginia gubernatorial and attorney general races. In all three elections, the candidate supported by Bloomberg won.
Democratic Governors Association: $8.1 Million
The Democratic Governors Association gave $8,129,625 to its own super PAC, DGA Action, in the 2014 election cycle. The group spends large sums on advertising and ground support for Democratic gubernatorial candidates across the country. In 2013, much of its spending went toward helping Democrat Terry McAuliffe win the Virginia governor's race. Pictured: DGA Chairman and Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin
National Education Association: $6.3 Million
The National Education Association has contributed $6,334,050 to super PACs in the 2014 election cycle. The union and its affiliated groups gave $5.3 million to its own super PAC, NEA Advocacy Fund; $550,000 to America Votes Action Fund; $175,000 to DGA Action; $100,000 to Senate Majority PAC; $100,000 to American Bridge 21st Century; $79,000 to Working for Us; $16,250 to Patriot Majority PAC; $5,000 to House Majority PAC; $5,000 to Americans for Responsible Solutions; and $3,800 to America Votes Action Fund.
Fred Eychaner: $5.6 Million
Media mogul and LGBT activist donor Fred Eychaner has given $5,650,000 million to super PACs in the 2014 election cycle. Eychaner, a major Democratic donor in recent elections, gave $4 million to Senate Majority PAC, $1.5 million to House Majority PAC, and $150,000 to Battleground Texas.
AFL-CIO: $5.4 Million
The AFL-CIO, the largest federation of labor unions with more than 11 million members, gave $5,375,000 in the 2014 election cycle: $5.35 million to its own Workers' Voice super PAC and $25,000 to House Majority PAC. Pictured: AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka
United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners: $5.4 Million
The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners gave $5,356,662 to Working for Working Americans, a pro-labor super PAC. The 130-year-old union is funded by dues paid by its half-million members.
Paul Singer: $4.8 Million
Elliott Management CEO Paul Singer contributed $4,837,252 to super PACs in the 2014 election cycle. Singer is a backer of conservative economic policies and a neoconservative foreign policy, but also supports gay marriage. He runs his own super PAC, American Unity, to back pro-gay marriage Republican candidates. Singer gave $1,912,252 to American Unity; $1.25 million to American Crossroads; $650,000 to Ending Spending Action Fund; $100,000 to USA Super PAC; $100,000 to New York 2014; $50,000 to Campaign for Jobs and Accountability; and $25,000 to John Bolton Super PAC.
Senate Majority PAC: $4.2 Million
Senate Majority PAC, a super PAC backing Democratic candidates, gave $4,170,793 to Put Alaska First, a super PAC supporting the re-election of Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska). Pictured: Sen. Mark Begich
National Association of Realtors: $4.1 Million
The National Association of Realtors contributed $4,140,840 to its own super PAC in the 2014 election cycle.
Richard Uihlein: $3.7 Million
Richard Uihlein, the CEO of U-Line Corporation, gave $3,715,000 to conservative super PACs in the 2014 election cycle. The hardline conservative contributed $1,780,000 to Liberty Principles PAC, $500,000 to Club for Growth Action, $500,000 to Our America Fund, $450,000 to America's PAC, $400,000 to Senate Conservatives Action, $75,000 to Madison Action Fund, and $10,000 to Empower Nebraska.
AFSCME: $3.1 Million
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees gave $3,133,250 to super PACs in the current cycle. The public employees union contributed $1.15 million to the AFL-CIO's Workers' Voice super PAC, $500,000 to Senate Majority PAC, $400,000 to House Majority PAC, $262,000 to America Votes Action Fund, $200,000 to American Bridge 21st Century, $175,000 to Women Vote!, $105,000 to Battleground Texas, $100,000 to American Working Families, $100,000 to NextGen Climate Action Committee, $50,000 to Working Families for Hawaii, $40,000 to WIN Minnesota Federal PAC, $29,000 to Working for Us, $16,250 to Patriot Majority PAC, $5,000 to the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, and $1,000 to America Votes Action Fund. Pictured: AFSCME Secretary-General Lee Saunders
Robert Mercer: $3 Million
Renaissance Technologies hedge fund executive Robert Mercer, a hardline conservative donor, gave $3,020,000 to super PACs in the 2014 election cycle. Mercer contributed $1 million to John Bolton Super PAC, $900,000 to Club for Growth Action, $350,000 to American Heartland PAC, $250,000 to Senate Conservatives Action, $200,000 to US Jobs Council, $120,000 to Special Operations for America, $100,000 to USA Super PAC, and $100,000 to New York 2014.
United Steelworkers: $2.8 Million
The United Steelworkers gave $2,774,387 to USW Works, its own super PAC, in the 2014 election cycle. Pictured: United Steelworkers President Leo Gerard
Republican Governors Association: $2.7 Million
The Republican Governors Association contributed $2.7 million to its affiliated super PAC, RGA Right Direction, in the 2014 election cycle. Pictured: RGA Chairman and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie
John Jordan: $2.3 Million
California vintner Thomas John Jordan has given $2,285,000 to super PACs in the 2014 election. He started by giving to Americans for Progressive Action, a super PAC that supported Republican candidate Gabriel Gomez in the Massachusetts special Senate election in 2013. Gomez lost the race to now-Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.). Jordan told The Wall Street Journal, "I just couldn't sit by and watch and leave [Gomez] alone while the establishment Republican groups decided to sit on their hands and just leave him on the beach. I just couldn't do that." Jordan has also given $585,000 to New Republican.org.
Ronald Firman: $2.1 Million
Miami retiree Ronald Firman contributed $2,145,000 to super PACs in the 2014 election. Nearly all of Firman's contributions went toward super PACs supporting the special election primary campaign of Republican Paige Kreegel, a former Florida state lawmaker. Kreegel was running to fill the seat vacated by U.S. Rep. Trey Radel (R) after his arrest for cocaine possession. Firman gave $2,144,000 to super PACs supporting Kreegel, but he still lost. Firman also gave $1,000 to American Crossroads. Pictured: Paige Kreegel, the candidate supported by Firman's contributions
Working for Working Americans: $2.1 Million
Working for Working Americans, the super PAC funded by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, contributed $2,125,000 to other super PACs in the 2014 election cycle. The group gave $1,250,000 to Senate Majority PAC, $500,000 to House Majority PAC, $250,000 to Defending Main Street SuperPAC, $100,000 to WIN Minnesota Federal PAC, and $25,000 to American Working Families. Pictured: Members of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners
Cooperative of American Physicians: $2 Million
The Cooperative of American Physicians, a membership organization through which California doctors purchase medical liability insurance, gave $2,004,773 to its own super PAC. The latter group supports candidates who back liability insurance reform, specifically the institution of caps on lawsuit damages, and other legislation to make it more difficult to sue doctors. In the 2012 election, the super PAC backed both Republican and Democratic candidates.
Jerrold Perenchio: $2 Million
Jerrold Perenchio, the former CEO and chairman of Univision and a major Republican Party donor, contributed $2 million to American Crossroads in the 2014 election cycle.
Laborers' International Union: $1.8 Million
The Laborers' International Union gave $1,832,800 to super PACs in the 2014 election cycle. The construction workers union and its associated groups contributed $700,000 to Senate Majority PAC, $525,000 to House Majority PAC, $250,000 to Defending Main Street SuperPAC, $250,000 to American Working Families, $50,000 to WIN Minnesota Federal PAC, $50,000 to The Ninety-Nine Percent, and $7,800 to South Forward IE PAC. Pictured: Laborers' International Union President Terrence O'Sullivan
Jon Stryker: $1.8 Million
Jon Stryker, heir to the Stryker Corporation fortune and an LGBT activist, gave $1,825,000 to super PACs supporting Democratic candidates in the 2014 cycle. Stryker's contributions came from himself and from Greenleaf Trust, a wealth management firm founded by his family. Stryker contributed $1.2 million to House Majority PAC, $400,000 to Senate Majority PAC, $100,000 to American Bridge 21st Century, and $25,000 to Ready for Hillary.
Virginia James: $1.8 Million
Investor Virginia James, a board member of the Club for Growth, contributed $1.8 million to conservative super PACs in the 2014 election cycle. She gave $1.5 million to Club for Growth Action, $200,000 to Women Speak Out PAC, and $100,000 to American Commitment Action Fund. Pictured: Club for Growth, a major recipient of James' contributions
United Association: $1.7 Million
The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry contributed $1,705,500 to super PACs in the 2014 election cycle. The union and its affiliated groups gave $1 million to House Majority PAC, $505,500 to Senate Majority PAC, and $200,000 to Workers' Voice.
Seth Klarman: $1.7 Million
Seth Klarman, hedge fund executive and supporter of a neoconservative foreign policy, gave $1.7 million to super PACs in the 2014 election cycle. Klarman contributed $1 million to American Unity, $450,000 to Ending Spending Action Fund, $100,000 to the Mobilization Project, $100,000 to the End Gridlock Committee, and $50,000 to New Majority for Massachusetts.
Jobs and Progress Fund: $1.7 Million
Jobs and Progress Fund, a dark money nonprofit, gave $1,685,000 to Citizens for a Working America PAC, a super PAC supporting Georgia Republican Senate candidate David Perdue. The group is tied to political operatives in Ohio and does not disclose the original source of its funds.
Warren Stephens: $1.6 Million
Warren Stephens, CEO of Stephens Inc., gave $1,620,000 to super PACs supporting Republicans in the 2014 election cycle. Stephens contributed $750,000 to American Crossroads, $500,000 to John Bolton Super PAC, $200,000 to Kentuckians for Strong Leadership, $125,000 to Mississippi Conservatives, $25,000 to We Can Do Better PAC, and $20,000 to American Jobs Council Federal Political Action.
Joe and Marlene Ricketts: $1.6 Million
TD Ameritrade founder and conservative donor Joe Ricketts and his wife, Marlene Ricketts, gave $1,550,000 to Ending Spending Action Fund, the super PAC founded by Joe Ricketts, in the 2014 election cycle. Marlene Ricketts also gave $25,000 to the Campaign for Jobs and Opportunity.
Joseph Craft: $1.5 Million
Joseph Craft III, head of the coal company Alliance Resource Partners, contributed $1,525,000 to super PACs in the 2014 election cycle. Craft gave $1 million to American Crossroads, $300,000 to Ending Spending Action Fund, $200,000 to Kentuckians for Strong Leadership, and $25,000 to USA Super PAC.
Jonathan Soros: $1.5 Million
Jonathan Soros, investor and son of the billionaire investor and Democratic donor George Soros, gave $1,505,000 to super PACs in 2014. He donated $1,505,000 to the super PAC he helped found, Friends of Democracy. The group works to enact campaign finance reform at the state and federal levels, in part by electing or defeating particular candidates. Friends of Democracy spent most of its money in 2013 to help fund a massive effort to enact reform legislation in New York state. Despite support from the majority of citizens and nearly every Democratic leader in the state, including Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the legislation died in the state Senate. Soros has also given $10,000 to Mayday PAC and $5,000 to Americans for Responsible Solutions.
Government Integrity Fund: $1.5 Million
Government Integrity Fund, a dark money nonprofit, has given $1,465,000 to super PACs in the 2014 election cycle. The Ohio-based group contributed $1,055,000 to its own super PAC, Government Integrity Fund Action Network, which is supporting the Senate campaign of Rep. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), and $410,000 to Citizens for a Working America PAC, supporting Georgia Republican David Perdue's Senate primary campaign. Pictured: Rep. Tom Cotton, a candidate supported by the Government Integrity Fund's super PAC contributions
Steve Mostyn, Amber Mostyn and Mostyn Law Firm: $1.4 Million
Texas trial lawyer and Democratic donor Steve Mostyn, through his Mostyn Law Firm, and his wife, Amber Mostyn, gave $1,392,500 to super PACs in 2013. The Mostyns, who emerged as major national donors in the 2012 election, gave $750,000 to Americans for Responsible Solutions, $255,000 to Battleground Texas, $250,000 to Planned Parenthood Votes, $100,000 to House Majority PAC, $25,000 to Ready for Hillary, and $12,500 to Texans for America's Future.
American Federation of Teachers: $1.4 Million
The American Federation of Teachers contributed $1.4 million to super PACs in the 2014 election cycle. The teachers union and its affiliated groups gave $500,000 to House Majority PAC, $350,000 to Senate Majority PAC, $250,000 to Workers' Voice, $150,000 to Women Vote!, $100,000 to American Bridge 21st Century, and $50,000 to WIN Minnesota Federal PAC. Pictured: AFT President Randi Weingarten
Anne Earhart: $1.3 Million
Getty oil heir Anne Earhart contributed $1,350,000 to super PACs in the 2014 election cycle. Earhart gave $800,000 to American Bridge 21st Century, $250,000 to Senate Majority PAC, $200,000 to House Majority PAC, and $100,000 to Planned Parenthood Votes.
Angelo Tsakopoulos: $1.3 Million
California real estate developer Angelo Tsakopoulos gave $1,347,000 to a super PAC supporting his son-in-law George Demos, who was running for the Republican nomination in a New York House race. Demos lost the primary. Tsakopoulos' contribution stands out as he is a regular backer of Democrats, not Republicans.
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![California vintner Thomas John Jordan has given $2,285,000 to super PACs in the 2014 election. He started by giving to Americans for Progressive Action, a super PAC that supported Republican candidate Gabriel Gomez in the Massachusetts special Senate election in 2013. Gomez lost the race to now-Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.). Jordan told The Wall Street Journal, "I just couldn't sit by and watch and leave [Gomez] alone while the establishment Republican groups decided to sit on their hands and just leave him on the beach. I just couldn't do that." Jordan has also given $585,000 to New Republican.org.](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/HCheNZJdcTg.KXF5v..CPQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MA--/https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/5bb89f282000000f0201c36a.jpg)
