A top GOP source close to ex-WI Gov./ex-HHS Sec. Tommy Thompson (R) tells Hotline OnCall that Thompson has decided not to run against Sen. Russ Feingold (D).
Thompson's decision leaves the GOP race to developer Terrence Wall (R), businessman Dave Westlake (R), and ex-WI Dept. of Commerce Sec. Dick Leinenkugel (R), who is expected to announce a run later this month. Wall, a self-funder who poured $1.2M of his own money into his campaign, went up on TV in Feb. with an ad that attacks Feingold. Businessman Ron Johnson (R) may also run.
Meanwhile, for nat'l GOPers looking to add higher caliber candidates to SEN races, the focus is now reduced to WA, where '04/'08 GOV nominee Dino Rossi (R) has yet to announce a decision on a bid against Sen. Patty Murray (D). Rossi, who has already come under attack from the DSCC, may not announce his decision until shortly before the June filing deadline.
http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2010/04/wi_sen_thompson.php