Earlier today Democratic Rep. Tammy Baldwin formally announced she’s running for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Democratic Sen. Herb Kohl, who will be retiring after his current term in office is done.
In her statement announcing her candidacy, Baldwin made it clear what her priorities would be if elected to the U.S. Senate:
“I can’t wait to take my fight to the Senate: a fight to grow our economy, protect seniors, force Wall Street to clean up its act, and bring our troops home from Afghanistan,” the email read in part. “And I can’t wait to see you on the trail as we bring our campaign to every corner of Wisconsin.”
Baldwin’s burgeoning U.S. Senate campaign already has a website set up, and her campaign has already released a video of Rep. Baldwin explaining why she chose to run for the U.S. Senate.
In related news, Democratic State Rep. Mark Pocan, clearly not one for subtlety, announced via Facebook that he’ll have a major announcement tomorrow regarding something that rhymes with “pongress.”
Hey Friends, I have a major announcement to make tomorrow (Wednesday) at 10am at my business, Budget Signs & Specialties (2225 Industrial Drive, off the South Towne exit) about my political future. I can’t say too much, but it rhymes with “pongress”. If you can make it to show support, I would truly appreciate it!
No doubt Rep. Baldwin’s entry into the U.S. Senate race in 2012 will set up a domino effect of folks lining up to replace her in the U.S. House of Representatives, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see Democratic State Sen. Jon Erpenbach jump into that race as well.
EDIT: In my haste to blog about Democratic Rep. Tammy Baldwin’s formal entry into the race to succeed Democratic Sen. Herb Kohl in the U.S. Senate, I neglected to provide Democratic State Rep. Mark Pocan’s statement on Baldwin’s candidacy.
“Tammy Baldwin is a proven fighter for Wisconsin’s middle class and working families, and she will be a terrific champion for our shared values in the US Senate. Over the course of the past two decades, I’ve had the pleasure to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Tammy, having served with her on the Dane County Board and holding her former seat in the State Assembly.
“During her career, Tammy has demonstrated time and time again that she is a powerful advocate for the middle-class and our seniors. We’ve fought many of the same fights rooted in our deeply held belief that everyone deserves a voice in our government, not just those who can afford to buy one.
“I’ve been proud to call Tammy my Assembly Representative, my Congresswoman and most importantly, my friend. I wish her all the best as she enters this next chapter in her life and political career.”
I told you so….let’s see if Rep Pocan scares off Sen Erpenbach for Rep Baldwin’s current seat or vice versa…
Pocan’s in, and I doubt anyone could scare him off.
I am just concerned that the DPW will once again be cutting some deals to avoid a primary.
I highly doubt we’ll see an uncontested Democratic primary….this is the opportunity of a lifetime for some of these folks.