Tommy Thompson:

Ladies and gentlemen, Wisconsin is on a roll!

 

Zac Schultz:

Tommy Thompson's name was last seen on a Wisconsin ballot in 1998. But Tuesday's primary shows he still knows how to win a statewide election. Thompson received 34 percent of the vote in the Republican primary, edging out Eric Hovde and two others. The field is now set for the fall. Democrat Tammy Baldwin did not have a challenger in her primary. The race for US senate has been overshadowed from the start, first by the recall election, and most recently by the addition of Paul Ryan to the GOP presidential ticket. Now with the primary over and the candidates in the field, it's time for this race to get under way. And lucky for us, it's got a catchy title, Tommy versus Tammy.

 

Tammy Baldwin:

I love it. I love it. You know, of all the candidates who are running in the Republican primary, I've known Tommy the longest.

 

Zac Schultz:

Recent polling shows Thompson with the lead over Baldwin, but within the margin of error. Baldwin says Thompson's first job will be to win over the 65 percent of Republicans who did not support him in the primary.

 

Tammy Baldwin:

Tommy starts this campaign first having to consolidate support within his own party.

Zac Schultz:

Thompson isn't worried, saying all three challengers called to endorse and support him Tuesday night, including Eric Hovde, who spent millions of dollars attacking Thompson during the primary.

 

Tommy Thompson:

He said go get them, Tommy. They all pledged their support.

 

Zac Schultz:

Republicans are already going after Baldwin, calling her a Liberal committed to raising taxes.

 

Tommy Thompson:

Do you want more government control or less government control?

 

Zac Schultz:

In turn, Democrats are attacking Thompson's record as a lobbyist and business owner since he left politics.

 

Tammy Baldwin:

I've been fighting for working families and the middle class. Tommy spent the last many years in Washington working for the moneyed and powerful interests in Washington who I think hold too much sway and power.

 

Zac Schultz:

Thompson says he'll run on his record of reform as governor and his ideas for change.

 

Tommy Thompson:

Wisconsin has become the epicenter of political theory, innovation and opportunity.  

 

Zac Schultz:

He says putting Paul Ryan on the ticket only helps his chances of winning a senate seat.

 

Tommy Thompson:

I think it's very important. Paul is a wonderful guy. He called me and is really excited. We're going to take America back. And Paul wants big ideas, and Romney put Paul on there to accomplish big ideas and that's the reason I'm running.

 

Zac Schultz:

Thompson certainly has the advantage in name recognition statewide. Baldwin has been traveling the state all year, but has never run outside of south central Wisconsin. Thompson has worked off the campaign rust. He says he worked harder in this primary than any race since his first run for governor in 1986.

 

Tommy Thompson:

We're gonna do well. With this kind of support, we're gonna-- we're going to-- we're gonna do well.

Tammy Baldwin:

I actually don't think that this November is going to be about people, the candidates, and their personalities. It's about the policies. It's about who is going to be a champion for middle class families in this state.