Stating that he believes he can have more impact tackling our fiscal and economic challenges as Chairman of the House Budget Committee, Rep. Paul Ryan has announced he will not run for the U.S. Senate next year.  “House Republicans have taken bold steps forward in tackling our fiscal and economic challenges – we have led, where others have not. I want to keep building on this progress and therefore, I will seek to continue serving my employers of Wisconsin’s First District as their Representative in the House.”  The seat is being vacated by Sen. Herb Kohl (D), who recently announced his plans to retire.

Possible contenders for the seat include former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson and former Rep. Mark Neumann for the Republican side. On the Democratic side, Reps. Tammy Baldwin and Ron Kind are both expected to run.