Wisconsin Senator Herb Kohl is not seeking reelection to the U.S. Senate seat he’s held since 1988. Any advice for the presumed Democratic nominee? “I know Tammy Baldwin and she’s an outstanding person. She’s been a great representative for this part of Wisconsin,” said Kohl. “I believe she’ll be an outstanding candidate. If she’s our nominee what advice she asks more for I’ll be happy to provide.” Baldwin is so far the only Democrat to have announced for Kohl’s seat. The GOP field includes former congressman Mark Neumann and state Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald. Former Governor Tommy Thompson has all but officially entered the race, and state Senator Frank Lasee is also reportedly considering it.
As for President Barack Obama, Kohl said he’s doing his best in an adverse situation. “The things he wants to do right now with a program that’s paid for entirely, is to have a direct positive impact on unemployment,” said Kohl. “It’s better, but it isn’t good enough, and he knows that.” Kohl, in Madison this week, said the Occupy Wall Street movement is a manifestation of the nation’s economic uncertainty. “People need to feel secure about their future. They have to feel as though there’s an economic place for them in our society. And when they don’t, they’re upset, they’re concerned, they’re nervous. And they have a right to demonstrate.”
AUDIO: Bob Hague reports (1:05)