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Like with Kirsten Gillibrand, there was really only one Republican lurking out there who would have given Russ Feingold a tough race. In this case it was Tommy Thompson, although with his lobbying history and past history as an awful campaigner in the 2008 Presidential election, my belief is he would have faded. I say “would have” because he, like George Pataki, has apparently decided against a run.
According to sources who have spoken with TODAY’S TMJ4 HD’s Charles Benson, former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson says he will not run for Senator Russ Feingold’s seat.
This would be the second high-profile recruiting failure in two days for the GOP, and it all but assures that Feingold will be able to win re-election; the two candidates currently in the race against him are running well behind. This also allows the Democrats to breathe a little easier about retaining the majority in the Senate; there’s still a path to victory for the Republicans, but they would have to win just about everything out there.
UPDATE: Thompson has now responded to this report, denying it and saying “I don’t know what I’m going to do.” Well, there’s a bold statement.
UPDATE II: Pushed by this leak, Thompson will now make his official announcement at a tea party event in Madison tomorrow. A TV station out of Green Bay hears from a spokesman that a run is unlikely.
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Nope. The Thompson Kabuki lasted just long enough for the Democratic establishment to pressure Feingold into supporting Orahma’s Insurance Company and Pharmaceutical Welfare Omnibus of 2010. Now he can pretend to be progressive again. Bring on Act II!
We would do well to work locally to elect and support progressive incumbents and candidates alike.
Yep. Couldn’t have said it better myself!
Bring on Act II!
Tap dancing at its finest.
If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?
Do Republics exist with out a connection to tea parties?
This all seems like musical chairs to me, except we lose no matter what. We’re always the ones left standing.
That leaves Leinenkugel as the last credible foe for Feingold, but he’s facing strong opposition in the party he recently joined.
RHRealityCheck has a fresh cross-post available: Toxic Chemicals: Neglected Threats to Health and Reproduction
Typo police: ‘t’ needed on ‘even’ in update II. /typo police
Hey, Ecahn. Glad I caught you. Update on kittens on Caturday! Pics either PM or tomorrow and as they grow probly.
Which “progressive” incumbents? The ones that act like Blue Dogs when the chips are down?
“Syntax police” Mixed tense on isle 9. (would have because, he would have_______ vs. he did, has, (has did, etc.
and former Republican Governor of Michigan who bankrupted the state and who is now CEO of the National Association of Manufacturer’s, John Big Boy Engler, has said he will not challenge Debbie Stabenow.
Hooray for the good guys! I wish Feingold would become Senate Majority Leader after Harry Reid goes down to defeat. I don’t think he would be kissing Joe Lieberman’s ass or cutting stupid deals with corrupt assholes like Ben Nelson.
What are you doing to get some liberals and progressives into your local parities and elected to Congress to give the Liberal caucus some support and company?
If you only want a pure progressive who is unwilling to compromise or work for party unity then I suggest you go with the Tea Baggers. Same principle..Loners who value purity over principle only stir up hate on both sides.