Russ Feingold Picks Up Donation From Former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel

It's Hagel's only donation so far this cycle.
Former Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.), who is running to retake his old Senate seat, received a donation last year from ex-Pentagon chief Chuck Hagel.
Former Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.), who is running to retake his old Senate seat, received a donation last year from ex-Pentagon chief Chuck Hagel.
Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images

Former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, who was previously a GOP senator from Nebraska, has so far only donated to one candidate this cycle: Former Sen. Russ Feingold (D), who's running for his old Senate seat in Wisconsin.

The Hill reported Wednesday that Hagel gave $1,000 to Feingold's campaign in the last fundraising quarter, which ended Dec. 31. The two men served together in the Senate.

"[I've] worked with him on many issues," Hagel told The Hill. "I believe that the Senate needs more senators like Senator Feingold who [will] work across party lines to help govern our country."

Hagel stepped down as secretary of defense in November 2014 under pressure from President Barack Obama. Administration officials were reportedly concerned about Hagel's effectiveness and his ability to lead the campaign against the terrorist group ISIS.

He has since been critical of Obama's foreign policy strategy and said last month that he didn't understand why administration officials were out to "destroy" him.

Feingold is running against Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), to whom he lost in 2010. Polls have shown Feingold consistently in the lead.

Hagel also told The Hill that although he has donated only to Feingold so far this cycle, he may contribute to others.

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