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Wisconsin is front and center in this year’s presidential election, but the state’s U.S. Senate race is just as pivotal. Incumbent Republican Ron Johnson is up against Democrat Russ Feingold in a race that could determine whether Democrats gain control of the senate. When it comes to the issues, Johnson and Feingold couldn’t be farther apart.

To put it simply, Johnson is out of touch with Wisconsin. Though he is supposed to represent a state with a proud history of progressive senators, Johnson has cast his lot with the likes of the Koch brothers and Ted Cruz. Rather than listening and voting for the people of Wisconsin, Johnson’s vote often goes to the highest bidder.

On few issues is this more obvious than college affordability, where Johnson continues to stand against the interests of students.

On student loans, an issue that strikes close to home for thousands of Titan students, Johnson has worked to stonewall any reform. He opposes legislation that would allow students to refinance their student loans – like you can for mortgages or car payments – which would save students thousands of dollars. He’s even called student loans “free money.” Tell that to the average Wisconsin student, who in 2014, graduated with $28,000 in debt.

Sadly, Johnson’s “free money” comment is just the tip of the iceberg. He recently suggested replacing college professors with documentaries, questioning why there should be teachers when the students could just watch a video, an outlandish idea that reminded Wisconsinites how out of touch Johnson is with students and teachers alike.

You’re much more likely to find Johnson roaming the halls of cable network buildings than listening to students in college classrooms. Think about it, when’s the last time Senator Johnson visited UWO?
Higher education should be an option for anyone who is willing to work for it. But if Johnson had his way, only those who are born into wealthy families would be able to attend college.

Washington Republicans like Johnson are working overtime to keep college financially out of reach for the middle-class and working families of Wisconsin. Johnson opposes even the idea of federal student loans.
Johnson’s campaign isn’t financed by students, teachers or the people giving whatever they can. He’s backed the Wall Street billionaires who couldn’t care less if kids are burdened with high interest rates. Those are the voices Johnson listens to, not Wisconsin’s students.

There’s too much at stake in this election to send Ron Johnson back to Washington. I am proud to say I’ll vote for Russ Feingold in November, and I would urge every student in Wisconsin to do the same. Feingold is the real deal.

He’s called for allowing students to renegotiate student loans, and Feingold’s goal is for students to “graduate debt-free” from four-year and technical colleges.

He’s a proven leader who supports plans that all who are willing to work hard can afford a quality education.”