Tommy Thompson

Republican Tommy Thompson was the 42nd Governor of Wisconsin, and the 7th Secretary of Health and Human Services. He is also the President of Logistics Health Incorporated, in addition to being senior partner at Akin Gump.

Announcement About Senate Seat Bid

On April 15, 2010 Tommy Thompson announced that he would not be making a run for U.S. Senate.http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/04/15/tommy-thompson-opts-senate-bid/ Fox News reports that his family contributed to his decision, essentially convincing him not to make the run. On Thursday, April 15, 2010, Thompson told a large crowd of tea party protesters that he felt it was time for something different. He stated, "it's time for new voices and new faces."http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/04/15/tommy-thompson-opts-senate-bid/

His decision not to run was apparently a "traumatic" one to make, according to Fox News. When the members of the crowd began chanting "Run Tommy Run!", former Governor Thompson was close to changing his mind. Looking over in the direction of his son and daughter, he saw the two shaking their heads "no."

It is unknown at this time whether Thompson has any plans on running again in the future. He has not commented directly on the possibility, except to say that he does not consider the upcoming Senate run as his last opportunity. He states his belief that he might have had the best shot if he had made his senate run now, but does not rule out a future run.http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/04/15/tommy-thompson-opts-senate-bid/

Political Background

In 1966, Thompson was elected to the Wisconsin Assembly. From there he became the assistant Assembly minority leader in 1973, and then the Assembly minority leader in 1981. In 1987, he began his governorship, which lasted 13 years. On April 1, 2007, Thompson announced his intention to run for the 2008 Presidential Election. On August 12, of that same year, Thompson dropped out of the race.

Administration

While in office, Thompson helped create BadgerCare, a health insurance for employees who are not provided healthcare through their jobs. Thompson also served on the Council of State Governments, from 1998, to 1999. In addition, Thompson served on the board of directors of Amtrak, and currently serves on the board for Pure Bioscience Inc.