The American Spectator

Yesterday, I opined that Jeb Bush has almost a duty to run for the U.S. Senate from Florida. Now comes word from Wisconsin of another, governor, this time former Gov. Tommy Thompson, who still hasn’t ruled out a Senate race. (Mention of the Senate race is well down in the article.) Thompson seems to be more strongly considering a comeback for the governor’s mansion, but really, he will do his party more good — and better serve his presidential ambitions by getting some national exposure and some foreign policy/defense policy experience — by taking on Sen. Herb Kohl in a race no other Wisconsin Republican could win. I’ve always been a huge fan of Thompson’s; he was one of the best governors, of any state, ever. No debate allowed on that: The man successfully pushed vouchers; he provided the model of welfare reform for the whole nation; he cut taxes; and on and on; he did just a great, great job, which is why he kept getting re-elected. I will have even more respect for him if he takes on a tough Senate race rather than try to elbow a legitimate GOP candidate out of the governor’s race that the other GOPer already has done so much work on. And while Kohl is a more reasonable Dem than many others on the Hill, and pretty popular in Wisconsin, he’s NOT unbeatable. A good, clean, positive campaign against him, with no smear jobs either way, could become the race of the year for pundits to watch. Run (for the Senate), Tommy, run!