Feingold decides against 2008 presidential bid

[Ron Burgundy]

Reuters - Sen. Russell Feingold, a leading liberal in Congress and an outspoken foe of the Iraq war, announced on Sunday that he would not seek the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination.

"I'm sure a campaign for president would have been a great adventure and helpful in advancing a progressive agenda," wrote Feingold, who is from Wisconsin, in a letter e-mailed to supporters and posted on his Senate campaign web site.

"At this time, however, I believe I can best advance that progressive agenda as a senator with significant seniority in the new Senate serving on the Foreign Relations, Intelligence, Judiciary and Budget committees," the three-term senator said.

Like many members of Congress, Feingold has been mulling for months a possible run for the White House in 2008.

His announcement that he has decided against a presidential bid came in the wake of Democrats winning control of the Senate and U.S. House of Representatives in last week's elections.

The new 110th Congress will convene in January with Democrats in control of both chambers for the first time in 12 years.

During the next couple of months, a number of Democrats and Republicans are expected to announce if they will run for president in 2008.