Back Off, Tommy

Yesterday, Tommy Thompson hinted that he might toss his hat into the Wisconsin gubernatorial ring.

MADISON, Wis. -- Former Wisconsin governor and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson said that he'll announce his political intentions at the state Republican Convention in Appleton in May.

Thompson, in a satellite interview from Columbus, Ohio, on Wednesday, continues to fuel speculation that he might run for governor again or the U.S. Senate, WISC-TV reported.

Although some of his closest advisors have expressed serious doubts about whether he'll run again this year, Thompson hasn't put the rumors to bed.

..."I'm ready for anything that's going to be thrown at me in this coming year," he said. "Whether it be governor, or U.S. senator or running for mayor of Elroy or just being a private citizen supporting other people."

"I'm going to be making a speech at the Republican Convention and I'll make a decision a little bit prior to that time, but will be announcing it at the Republican Convention."

Note to Tommy: If you care about getting Jim Doyle out of office, put the rumors to bed NOW. It is way past their bedtime.
Republicans need to unify behind Mark Green. Scott Walker gracefully bowed out of the race, allowing for the Green/pro-Republican and anti-Doyle/anti-Democrat contingents to organize. It is a distraction for Thompson to permit speculation about his possible candidacy to float out there. It's an irresponsible move by Thompson.

Thompson obviously responded to the question somewhat jokingly. He certainly isn't going to run for mayor of Elroy, but I do think it's a serious mistake for him to throw up any obstacles to the Green campaign.

It's possible that Thompson is considering challenging Herb Kohl for the Senate, something that I would welcome. It could be that by mentioning getting into the governor's race, he's trying to deflect attention from his true ambition of taking on Kohl.

If that's the case, keeping ANY rumors alive about running for governor again is terribly self-serving.

In any event, if Thompson truly hasn't decided on his future political path, it would be far better for Wisconsin for him to keep his mouth shut in the meantime, and not muddy the waters.