Thompson Expected to File Papers for Senate Run

10/4/11 – Former Governor Tommy Thompson is expected to take another step today toward running for the U-S Senate. Media reports say the Republican Thompson will file papers with the Federal Elections Commission that allow him to start raising funds for his campaign. Thompson – who’s been out of public service since leaving the Bush cabinet as health secretary in 2004 – has not officially announced his Senate bid. But in at least one recent public appearance, he asked people to vote for him. Three other Republicans are running for the Senate seat to be given up by the retiring Herb Kohl next year. Former Congressman Mark Neumann was the first to announce his bid a few weeks ago. State Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald and state Senator Frank Lasee of De Pere have both filed the papers needed to start raising campaign money. Madison Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin is the only Democrat running for Kohl’s spot.