Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan (R-WI) says he will carefully consider a run for the U.S. Senate, but he’s not going to wait very long on making a decision. The Republican from Janesville says he plans to make a decision sometime this week because he does not want to keep a lot of other potential candidates waiting.
Ryan is just one of several people, both Democrats and Republicans, now considering a run after U.S Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI) announced last week he will not seek a fifth term in 2012.
Republicans, including Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald (R-Horicon) and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau), have indicated they would be interested in running if Ryan decides not to. Other possible GOP candidates include Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen and former Congressman and gubernatorial candidate Mark Neumann.
Ryan says he wants to do what’s best for the people of Wisconsin. He says a Senate run is not about the title, but about serving in a position where he can be most effective and have the most impact.
Ryan currently serves as Chairman of the House Budget Committee, a position he would lose if he moves over to the Senate. He says it’s a decision he does not want to rush in to, so he wants to pause for a few days and digest it with his family and friends.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (1:03)
Audio courtesy of Tom Karkow, WRJN