Even given the trends of recent years, it's been somewhat surprising to see how the U.S. Senate race in Wisconsin between GOP challenger Ron Johnson and three-term Democratic incumbent Russ Feingold has gotten so nasty and so personal. The candidates have come out swinging, as have their supporters.
Both sides seem to agree: The other guy is simply not fit for the office of U.S. senator. Reelecting him, or electing him in the first place, would be disastrous.
In this spirit, Isthmus has tapped two of its regular opinion columnists to write about the failings of the other candidate. Each also offers a few reasons for supporting the candidate he or she does.
As the Nov. 2 election approaches, the gloves are off, the constraints suspended.
The case against Russ Feingold
His maverick image is backed only with bluster and cheap shots, by Christian Schneider
The case against Ron Johnson
Why should Wisconsin pick a multimillionaire with no experience? by Ruth Conniff