Former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson officially launched his presidential exploratory committee this week, and sized up his chances for the press.
Des Moines Register (1/4/07):
"I'm the only farmer in the group," he said. "I'm the only one that rides motorcycles."
Former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson on his ability to be Wisconsin's next governor or senator if he had run (Capital Times, 11/11/06):
Races not made: Thompson, who turns 65 on Nov. 19, acknowledged that he came "very close" to running again for governor earlier this year, the post he held for a record 14 years before joining the Bush administration.
"I had my announcement speech in my head. I knew exactly what I wanted to say," he said.
Thompson campaigned for U.S. Rep. Mark Green, who lost to Thompson's longtime rival, Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle, on Tuesday.
Thompson, who also considered challenging U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl, said he believes he would have won either race.
Former Wisconsin Governor and Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson, quoted in the Des Moines Register (11/16/06):
"I don't think anybody's got a better handle on health care than me."
