Rep. Paul Ryan decides not to run for Senate

This clears the way for former Gov. Tommy Thompson.

Thompson, who served as President George W. Bush’s Health and Human Services Secretary, has told GOP officials in Wisconsin and D.C. he intends to run if Ryan passes up the open Kohl seat. Ryan has made it clear in recent days he prefers his perch as chairman of the House Budget Committee — where he believes he can influence, if not drive, the debate on fiscal policy — to a seat in the Senate.