Wisconsin Democrat Senator Herb Kohl Will Not Seek Reelection

Another seat in play for Republicans to pick up.

Kohl is the sixth Democratic-aligned Senator to step aside in advance of the 2012 election. Two Republicans aren’t running for reelection next year.

Democratic strategists insisted that they will field a top-tier candidate in the open seat, noting that the fight between Gov. Scott Walker (R) and national unions over collective bargaining in the state earlier this year has energized the party.

Rep. Ron Kind and well as former Sen. Russ Feingold are sure to be leading candidates for Democrats. Former Rep. Tom Barrett, who ran lost to Walker last November, as well as Reps. Tammy Baldwin and Steve Kagen are also mentioned.

Obviously Paul Ryan is the big name on the GOP side but for what it's worth there's this from Wisconsin political guy Kevin Binversie.

Memo to DC pundits, a Russ Feingold v. Paul Ryan race will not happen. The two are personal and family friends. Quit daydreaming.

Should Ryan really be the first choice for conservatives? I think he can do far more good as a senior member of the House than a freshman member of the Senate. Now, if he's the only/best hope of winning the seat, that's one thing. If there's another viable conservative to run, isn't it better to have Ryan driving the budget/entitlement agenda from the House side?

posted by DrewM. at 11:21 AM

| Access Comments