One More Time: Back Off, Tommy!

On April 13, I addressed Tommy Thompson's political future.

I wrote:

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.

...[K]eeping 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.

One month later, speculation about Thompson's plans continues, fueled by Thompson's own comments and unbecoming bravado.

Tommy G. Thompson said Thursday that if he ran for governor this year, his election would be a certainty.

"If I run, I win. I have no doubt in my mind about that. But then I have to govern," he said in an interview, adding that he might announce a decision about the race as early as Sunday, after spending the rest of this week talking to family members and others in Wisconsin.

Speaking to a reporter after a health care speech, the former governor and George W. Bush cabinet member also said that:

• He wants to run for president but is not sure whether he will.

• He still hasn't ruled out running for the U.S. Senate against incumbent Democrat Herb Kohl this year.

In other words, Thompson, famous for his attachment to the public stage, did little to put to rest the speculation prompted by his frequent open musings about a return to politics.

"Everything's up in the air," he said.

As I said a month ago, Thompson should keep his mouth shut if "everything's up in the air."

A simple "no comment" response to reporters inquiring about his political plans would suffice. If he has an announcement, he should make it. This cat-and-mouse routine is selfish.

I don't know what Thompson really wants to do as far as his political future goes, but what he's doing right now is clear.

He's putting his personal goals ahead of what's best for Wisconsin.

To me, it seems that Thompson's uncertainty is less about how best he can serve the public and more about how he can use the public to achieve his self-centered aims.

He should quit the man of mystery act, and start actively campaigning for Mark Green.