It's definitely a surprise to hear former Republicans Congressman Mark Neumann talking about a run for governor next year, according to UW political scientist David Canon.
Canon says Neumann would likely be an underdog in a Republican primary, since he lacks the name recognition he would have had in the past. Neumann was last on the ballot in 1998, when he narrowly lost a challenge to Senator Russ Feingold.
However, Canon notes that Neumann does have the support of Jim Klauser, who chaired Tommy Thompson's four successful races for governor.
If Neumann does run for governor, it would create a GOP primary with Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker, who is expected announce his candidacy next week.
