MILWAUKEE (AP) - An adviser to Republican Tommy Thompson says the former Wisconsin governor and Cabinet secretary is laying the groundwork for a U.S. Senate run next year.
James Klauser helped run Thompson's four gubernatorial races. He said Wednesday that Thompson has asked him and Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen to co-chair his Senate campaign. Thompson also served as Health and Human Services secretary under President George W. Bush.
The Senate seat is being vacated by Democratic Sen. Herb Kohl.
Possible Democratic challengers include former Sen. Russ Feingold and U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin. Other Republicans who might run include state Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald, Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, former state Sen. Ted Kanavas and former U.S. Rep. Mark Neumann.
Klauser's position was first reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.