This is potentially really good news for us and Russ Feingold:
A local news radio station reports that former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson, whose challenge to Russ Feingold would have been a key part of any Republican path to retaking the Senate, will take a pass on the race.
More as I get it, but I think this really suggests that the GOP is very unlikely to retake the Senate in 2010. They simply don't put enough seats in play.
UPDATE: It still looks very unlikely, sez Politico, but it is not 100% sure yet:
Former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson is unlikely to announce he's running for Senate in 2010, a GOP source told POLITICO Wednesday.
"Everything we've heard is that he's not running and will say something official tomorrow," the Republican said. "I guess there's a one in a 100 chance he could change his mind overnight but don't think he's going to run. Has to do with family and frankly, he's doing pretty well in the private sector."
But a spokesman for Thompson would not confirm a local radio report that the governor had decided against challenging Democratic Sen. Russ Feingold.
"When he left a call with close confidantes late last night, the governor had not made a final decision. However, he has promised to make his intentions clear at the tea party rally tomorrow in Madison," Jason Denby told POLITICO.