Tommy Speaks!

FINALLY, the "Tommy Thompson for governor" distraction can be put to rest.

Game over.

Now, Mark Green can get on with his campaign.

Press Release

Statement from Tommy G. Thompson

After serious consideration and many conversations with my family and people around Wisconsin, I have decided not to run for Governor this year. I have come to this conclusion for two simple reasons: my family's unanimous opposition against another campaign and because I am convinced that Mark Green is the right candidate to lead our party and will be victorious in November.

It was critical in my decision making to know that the Republican Party has Mark Green to lead Wisconsin forward again and return our state to the greatness we enjoyed when we were the pride and model of the nation.

I am privileged to accept the role as the honorary chairman of Mark's campaign because he knows that the strength of Wisconsin is found in our people. Mark has the vision, integrity and principles needed to bring the state and its people together.

Mark Green will put the state back on the right track. I will work tirelessly to campaign for Mark as we seek to restore the confidence and resolve that make Wisconsin great.

In his statement, Thompson is very generous with the compliments for Green; and he leaves no question about his support for the campaign.

That's good.




It's unfortunate that Thompson took so long to come to his conclusion not to run for governor again and make it official. While Thompson's indecision was grabbing the media's attention, as well as that of the public, Mark Green was forced to comment on Thompson's aspirations rather than the issues and Jim Doyle.

It was a completely unnecessary complication for Green; but thankfully, it's finished. Thompson has given Green his enthusiastic and well-deserved endorsement.

Mark Green is the right candidate. That's one of Thompson's two reasons not to run.

The other reason is likely to create more speculation about whether Thompson's intends to pursue any elected office.

His "family's unanimous opposition against another campaign" is a bit ambiguous.

Does this refer to a campaign for governor or any campaign?

I take Thompson's statement to mean that his family is opposed to another campaign in general. It seems that the specific office would be irrelevant. The family doesn't want the rigors of another campaign.

Thus, can we conclude that Thompson has ruled out running for the Senate this year?

Short answer: NO

My assessment of Thompson's statement is wrong.

Madison -- Bob Wood, a former chief of staff for Thompson in Madison and Washington, said Sunday that Thompson's statement deliberately left open the possibility that he might still run against U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wis.). That is considered unlikely, however.

Thompson "will make that (Senate) decision this week," Wood said.

Thompson left Madison on Sunday and was not available for further comment, a spokesman said.

OK, Mr. Wood, if you say so.

I misinterpreted Thompson's statement. Doors that seemed closed to me are apparently still ajar.

I guess the family opposition is not directed at campaigning overall but just campaigning for governor.

So, we're back to a waiting game. Will Thompson take on Herb Kohl?

Frankly, I don't think three-term senator Kohl is losing any sleep over the possibility of running against Thompson. Kohl expects to sail into another term.

Thompson was begged by state and national Republican Party leaders to trade his new life, working for private companies and going around the world giving speeches, for a run against Kohl this year. But Thompson derided the Senate seat as too confining for someone who once candidly told a GOP meeting he considered himself a "great" governor.

I think Thompson could unseat Kohl.

Wisconsin Republicans would certainly be energized by Thompson challenging "nobody's senator."

As it stands, Wisconsin conservatives have NO representation in the Senate. We have liberal wacko Russ Feingold and invisible liberal guy Herb Kohl.

We need a formidable candidate, someone capable of winning, to give Wisconsin conservatives a voice in the Senate.

It's too bad that Thompson considers a Senate seat to be too confining for a man of his stature.

Clearly, Thompson doesn't want his political life to be over. It doesn't have to be.

If Thompson put just a little more emphasis on public service and a lot less emphasis on massaging his ego, Kohl could be sent packing.

I would vote for Thompson to replace Kohl in a heartbeat.

Thompson really should take a cue from his former boss, the Decider in Chief.

He should make up his mind about a senate run.

NOW!

DECIDE!

ENOUGH OF THE DRAMA!

Even though Kohl doesn't have a Republican challenger yet, I already know how I'll be voting.

I have never cast a vote for Kohl and I never will. If he runs unopposed, I'd cast a write-in vote.

I'm voting for ABK -- anybody but Kohl. That's a promise.