It's a bit of a shock to see our corporate, RW leaning Wisconsin media actually giving more than a wink and a nod to Republican candidates or even reporting what might be some bad news or revealing history, so it's fascinating to see even the Milwaukee Jornal Sentinel asking where former Governor Tommy Thompson is these days (I actually answer the question at the end).
Tommy, surprising winner of the Republican US Senate Primary, hasn't been around much. Yes, he's a frequent guest, along with Scott Walker, on the radio shows of RW hosts locally and statewide, and does speak to groups of Tea Baggers, but doesn't make other normal campaign appearances. And he doesn't inform the media of his events either. It's pretty much the way he "campaigned" during the primary.
Then again, Scott Walker does pretty much the same thing...
And it's not just the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that's noticed:
Under criticism that he hasn't been on the campaign trail enough, Thompson told WBAY-TV in Green Bay on Sunday that he had six events slated for the next day. For three days since then, campaign spokeswoman Lisa Boothe would not provide any details about them despite repeated requests.
On Thursday, she listed eight events that Thompson participated in on Monday, though some of them would not traditionally be considered "campaign stops." Thompson attended a Republican Party event in Waukesha, held a visit to Herzing University that was closed to the general public, sat down for four one-on-one interviews with reporters and held two fundraisers.
He's relying on RW radio, Faux Snewzzzz, spokespeople, and a slew of political attack ads against Tammy Baldwin.
More than likely, though, are things like this speech, made famous by the always delightful Rachel Maddow:
and this extolling violence on recallers:
and then there's this:
So, yes, I'm pretty sure they would like to keep him under wraps, letting him loose for appearances with very friendly media and letting mega bucks in ads do the campaign for him. Public appearances haven't been good for Tommy.
Contrast that with Tammy Baldwins extensive campaign schedule:
Baldwin's campaign said she held 31 public events between the primary and late last week. Baldwin spokesman John Kraus provided details about each of those events and said the campaign notified the press about them in advance.
"Thompson has admitted that he was exhausted and that his campaign had put him in a silo," Kraus said in a statement.
"His own supporters have been outspoken about the fact he hasn't been working to earn people's support. Thompson arrogantly believes he is entitled to this job but now polls show voters disagree."
Boothe said Thompson's campaign does not put out news releases about some public events, such as one Wednesday when Thompson received the Wisconsin Builders Association endorsement in Milwaukee. Some media outlets found out about the event, but Thompson declined to take questions.
(emphasis mine)
Declining to take questions? It's a month to the election and Tommy Thompson has been behind in the polls since after the Democratic Convention where Tammy Baldwin had a prime speaking spot and Thompson won't speak to local media (the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)? No wonder there's an article in their paper.
Question answered.
Help send Tommy Thompson back to spend more time with the millions he earned as a lobbyist by contributing to Tammy Baldwin via Act Blue.
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