Thompson keeps door open for governor bid

[Poiuyt]

APPLETON — Former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson told a banquet hall full of state newspaper executives that he hasn’t ruled out a run for governor in 2006.

“All I can say is that it is way too early to say,” Thompson said after delivering keynote remarks at the Wisconsin Newspaper Association’s annual convention Thursday.

“People want me to say that I am not going to run for governor. I’m not going to say that. I may decide a year from now or 15 months from now that it’s something I would like to do … I’d better stop right there.”

more -

http://www.wisinfo.com/postcrescent/news/archive/local_19696877.shtml

[rodeodance]

1. i really wish old money bags would have stayed in Washington!!

[shraby]

2. Or some distant deserted island in the

North Atlantic, or somewhere around Antartica.

[PROGRESSIVE1]

3. Would he win?

[AndyP]

4. I think it's a possibility

Name recognition, he's been gov. since I was a weee baby (I'm not that old though). It'd be a scary thought.

[Poiuyt]

5. I think he probably would

Even though he left the state in terrible condition, the perception was that he was a great governor. If nothing else, he is a good campaigner. Doyle would have his hands full.

[elfin]

6. Doyle is a goner

saddled with a bad PR magnet of an AG and horrible press on his admittedly suspect "pay for play" donors - the latest fom insurance biggies. He is looking more and more like a pol from the old days - but this time no labor - just teachers to work for him.

He will be toast against any of the Repugs going up against him - unless they can ratchet up the stem cell issue in a BIG way and unless all (including Tommy) hold to Bush's anti-embryonic research line. Abortion rights won't make is in this increasingly socially conservative state.

Easy pickings for Tommy, I fear.

I also worry about Kohl's seat. We are doomed here in Wisconsin.

Just my cheery prediction.

[rodeodrive1]

7. He will run for the Senate

Word is that he will run for the Senate, and there is pressure on him to do so. He's going to have an office in DC which is a dead giveaway. He told the AP that he is thinking about going against Kohl, who would be MUCH easier pickings than Doyle. There are already guys who have announced for the Governor's race, but NO GOPers have announced for the Senate race. Perhaps the GOPers could beat Doyle, but it will be tough, as Doyle will have a ton of money, and they are lightweights. I was just in DC, and the word is the NOBODY but Tommy could beat Kohl, and that he could push his ridiculous "medical diplomacy," as Senator much more than he could as Governor. Plus, I don't think his wife wants him back in Wisconsin full time, lol.

[PROGRESSIVE1]

8. I always though Kohl was very popular.

[PROGRESSIVE1]

9. Wisconsin is trending rightward?

:wtf:

What about the emerging Democratic Majority?

[rodeodrive1]

10. Yes, Wisconsin is changing

Yes, Wisconsin IS trending rightward, as is Iowa and Minnesota. Bush came very close to carrying Wisconsin, and DID carry Iowa. The whole Upper Mid-West is changing, as is California, which used to be Republican. Cali is now solidly Democratic..... except for ARNOLD, lol, and he is what Republicans call a RINO: Republican in name only. Kohl is not as popular as Feingold, and not as good a campaigner. TT would have an EASY time taking him out, as I don't think there would be a contested GOP primary, and he could raise the money. Doyle would be tougher, as he is piling up a lot of bucks, and there is going to be a contested GOP primary.