WI--Sen. Kolh (D) may be in trouble IF Tommy Thompson decides to run

[rodeodance]

Thompson wants back in politics. I have noticed that Kohl has been running ads a few weeks ago already. This is bad news (tommy has a 5 % lead over Kohl at this point and has a humugous war chest from his past Gov. races).
.

[rodeodance]

1. Hate to be pessimistic, but we need to heads up on this one!

[HereSince1628]

2. Kohl has one of the worst records of supporting the Dems in the senate

I'm not sure if that makes him a DINO but I'll need to put Vick's VapoRubb under my nose to get close enough to even look a ballot with Kohl and Thompson on it.

[rodeodance]

5. Kohl trumps Tommy any day in my book

[HereSince1628]

3. sorry, double posted

[StClone]

4. Kohl has more money than Thompson.

He would probably run for governor if he was going to run for anything. I just saw an article with him saying how he longed for the good ol' days in the governor's mansion.

[sybylla]

6. If Tommy-boy gives up his cushy six-bill gig for the ego-trip

of running for senate - he's stupider than I thought.

Could you please cite a poll or something by which you base your op claims? We've talked this to death in the Wisconsin forum and I'm amazed it just won't go away on DU of all places.

First, no one has been able to cite anything but a nebulous puke poll likely paid for by the pukes to encourage Tommy to run.

Second, it doesn't matter how big a name recognition he has, it takes a long time to get a statewide campaign up and running with staff and cash in the bank. We're just over 6 months away from election and Tommy would have a primary to boot.

Third, in Kohl's last election, which happened to be Tommy-boy's last election for gov as well, Kohl, with a credible challenger, received more votes statewide (over 69 % of the votes) than Tommy. I'd have to see loads more than even a single relatively incredible poll to think Kohl is anywhere near trouble if Tommy gets in the race.

Fourth, Tommy has never had to run against anyone with real money. He's always had the advantage in the media and in staff. Wouldn't happen against Kohl.

Fifth, Kohl is running ads six months before like he has always done. He has the money to ply the media and the electorate to vote Dem and always uses it whether or not he has a credible opponent. It's his way of helping out down ticket.

[UTUSN]

7. Tommy of the bottle problem? Tommy who was inarticulate &

useless in his cabinet post?-------oh, wait, those are *QUALIFICATIONS* for Shrub cabinet members.

[lutefisk]

8. Qualifies him to be a Republican Senator, too

Tommy has a real connection with Wisconsin voters- seriously. I have no idea why and I despise the man, but he is a real threat for a Senate seat. The Democratic Governor isn't safe, either. It's entirely possible that Wisconsin could have a Republican Senator and a Republican Governor in the near future.

[sybylla]

9. The sky is falling, the sky is falling...

Care to support that with a link or two, a poll or something? History just doesn't bear your opinion out.

[WI_DEM]

10. What poll gives Tommy a five point lead?

I think it would be very close, but Kohl has always won big in the past and I think he could pull it off again. One problem is that Doyle on the Governor ticket doesn't have alot of personal popularity and won't help bring out voters. I'm surprised that Tommy doesn't run against him--since they reportedly hate one another and Thompson and Kohl have had a cordial relationship.