Thompson visits city as part of Senate campaign
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Senate candidate Tommy Thompson gets a tour of Blain Supply in Janesville from warehouse manager Bill Koch, left, and President Robert Blain on Friday.
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Senate candidate Tommy Thompson shakes hands with Blain Supply warehouse worker John Muse during his tour of the facility on Friday.
JANESVILLE — Tommy Thompson is accused these days of being too moderate.
He calls that “idiotic.”
Thompson visited Janesville on Friday as part of his campaign to be the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in November.
Thompson shared his thoughts on Gov. Scott Walker, Rep. Paul Ryan and his old pal, state Sen. Tim Cullen of Janesville, in a Gazette interview.
Not conservative enough?
“It’s sort of idiotic on its face,” he said.
Look at his record, he says: He didn’t raise taxes as governor and won’t as a senator.
He remembers people saying he was too conservative, back when he first ran for governor.
“I believe they want people to go to Washington just to vote no,” he said of his critics. “I want to change the direction and pass things that are going to make things more efficient.
“I’m not going to raise taxes, but I am going to come up with ideas on health care, Medicare and the deficit that are going to make our country much better off financially.”
Thompson faces an August primary against Mark Neumann, the former 1st District congressman, and state Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald. Both are expected to come at Thompson from the right.
On the Democratic side, only Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-2nd District, is running for the seat now held by Democrat Herb Kohl.
Thompson said he doesn’t need to pad his resume, being elected governor four times and serving as a cabinet secretary under George W. Bush.
He even made a short presidential run in 2008.
Thompson’s senatorial pitch is that he is worried about the direction of the country and believes he can help:
“We’re electing Republicans way to the right, Democrats way to the left, and we’re not able to come together and develop good public policy,” he said. “I believe if I am the candidate on the Republican ticket, I will carry the state, … we will change the United States Senate to (Republican control), and I think I’ll be in a position because of my experience with the Department of Health and Human Services to really develop new ideas for Medicare and for health care, which are a couple of the biggest problems facing our country.”
Thompson met with supporters at the Forward Janesville offices. He also visited Blain Supply and the Gazette Printing & Distribution plant.
Thompson called Ryan “one of the great thinkers of our time.” He agrees with Ryan that the national debt and Medicare costs are huge concerns.
Thompson agrees with Ryan’s plans for Medicare, which Democrats have called “ending Medicare as we know it.”
Thompson said he differed with Ryan in one respect: Ryan’s plan called for those now age 55 and younger to be put on private insurance with premium subsidies when they get to Medicare age, Thompson said, but Thompson said those people should be given the option to stay on traditional Medicare.
Ryan later came out with just that idea, not that Thompson had anything to do with Ryan’s change of mind.
Thompson said the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, known to critics as Obamacare, has to be replaced.
“You’ve got to change our society from a disease-illness system to a wellness-prevention system and make it more market-oriented,” he said.
Asked about his own health at age 70, he said he is in good shape, does about 100 push-ups and 300 sit-ups a day.
Thompson opposes the recall of Scott Walker but thinks Cullen, who has declared he would run for governor on the Democratic ticket if the recall goes through, would be a good candidate.
Cullen and Thompson go way back as opponents and allies. Cullen was secretary of the state Department of Health and Social Services under Thompson.
“I absolutely abhor recalls,” Thompson said. “But if there’s a recall, I would much rather have Tim Cullen run than the other Democrats that are running. I still support Scott Walker and always will. I think he’s doing a wonderful job. … But if there is a recall, I think Tim should jump into it.”
Asked if he supports the end of public-employee unions’ abilities to bargain for benefits and working conditions, Thompson kept it short:
“I’m not going to second-guess the governor. I mean, he was the governor, he made the tough call, and I support him.”
Republican assembly members Joe Knilans and Evan Wynn attended the Forward Janesville event. Thompson said he wanted to campaign with both of them, who are up for re-election in November.
Jan 25, 2012 at 8:09 a.m.
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Not sure I would endorse Thompson. He was not as good a Governor for Wisconsin as Walker is.
Jan 24, 2012 at 9:59 p.m.
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GoodAmerican (?)
Are you incapable of making a comment without name calling? If not, then please change your user name, it makes you look like a hypocrite.
Jan 24, 2012 at 2:56 p.m.
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wislady, the most unfortunate thing about the Doyle years is that they were concurrent with the G.W. Bush years and nothing could florish in that nuclear meltdown.
Jan 15, 2012 at 6:37 p.m.
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WisconsinResident
"The current unemployment rate in Wisconsin is 9.4% as of March 2011"
This is 2012 and Wisconsin unemployment ending 2011 was 7.3%. (Quite an improvement, using YOUR figure).
"this is what I would do first repeal the collective bargaining law"
So what would be YOUR answer to replace Act 10?
1. Increase taxes and cause massive deficit
or,
2. More cuts in benefits,layoffs, lose the support of the unions.
In addition to not even having a candidate, the democrats have NO solutions. Your idea is to tax the companies who provide jobs?
Democrats are always ready to spend money, especially when it does not come out of their pockets.
We just finished with 8 years of democrats/Doyle train, how did work for us?
Jan 15, 2012 at 2:09 p.m.
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Ok go ahead 916WI and Feduptaxpayer rip on me for getting an education and no quitting school I did and I am proud of myself for finishing what I started but let me ask this anyone else got a better idea how to fix this mess the mighty righties and republicans and democrats put us in the unemployment rate is not made up that is what it is right now and where does anyone thing jobs come from or did you all forget I also kept a promise I made to myself and not quit school. At least I have an idea but have not heard anyone else come up with one yet yea your right I should have left it out but at least I am will to take a stand on job creation and holding the line on taxes and healthcare cost let’s try something here can we really afford to leave things the way they are. I want people to think for themselves how do we fix this what do you all expect from your politicians answer that question you might surprise yourself for once answer the question because were the ones that will have to decide this recall if it happens. If it does happen ask this Why is the current way not working then because people are ******** about it think about and if you can’t keep your own personal promise then you should not make them I did not want to end up like everyone else I want to see other ideas of how we can fix this. Not just rip on someone for an idea its one idea that may not even be the idea but it is a start and it starts with us think about that how do we fix this.
Jan 15, 2012 at 2:09 p.m.
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Ok go ahead 916WI and Feduptaxpayer rip on me for getting an education and no quitting school I did and I am proud of myself for finishing what I started but let me ask this anyone else got a better idea how to fix this mess the mighty righties and republicans and democrats put us in the unemployment rate is not made up that is what it is right now and where does anyone thing jobs come from or did you all forget I also kept a promise I made to myself and not quit school. At least I have an idea but have not heard anyone else come up with one yet yea your right I should have left it out but at least I am will to take a stand on job creation and holding the line on taxes and healthcare cost let’s try something here can we really afford to leave things the way they are. I want people to think for themselves how do we fix this what do you all expect from your politicians answer that question you might surprise yourself for once answer the question because were the ones that will have to decide this recall if it happens. If it does happen ask this Why is the current way not working then because people are ******** about it think about and if you can’t keep your own personal promise then you should not make them I did not want to end up like everyone else I want to see other ideas of how we can fix this. Not just rip on someone for an idea its one idea that may not even be the idea but it is a start and it starts with us think about that how do we fix this.
Jan 15, 2012 at 1:07 p.m.
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Walker is not being recalled because he doesn't have a college degree. He is being recalled because he is inept at governing the state and has thrown it into chaos. Big difference. I know many people without college degrees who work well with others and are genuinely intelligent and successful. He is neither.
Jan 15, 2012 at 12:35 p.m.
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Labeler....go ahead and reread WI Residents post and then rethink your statement. WI Resident basically ridiculed a man for not having a degree and went on to allude that he was better than him because he had one. I'm sure you are also disgusted with WI Resident for his condescending attitude....no? I have always maintained that some of the smartest and most successful people that I have met have NEVER stepped foot in a college classroom.....or taken the time to go online and get a degree as in the case of the University of Phoenix grads. So please lose the "I'm better than you, because I have a college degree" attitude.....
Jan 15, 2012 at 11:16 a.m.
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Fedup you are such an ignoran person it truly makes 80% of people that read these absolutly sick. Just hearing you rant your republigoon propaganda makes one throw up in one's own mouth. Picking on a man for having a degree ? Yet fantacizing about one without? Now I know..... Sick just sick!! Hang your head in shame!!
Jan 15, 2012 at 10:27 a.m.
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The far right seems nervous
and rightfully so.
;-)
Jan 15, 2012 at 9:40 a.m.
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Oh one more thing to add the big difference between myself and Walker is this I graduated from the University of Phoenix class of 2011 with a degree in Administrative business. What did Walker Graduate and what was his degree in oh wait I forgot he dropped out and quit that’s a known fact. And yes I did get a good paying Job with my degree. See what a good education can do for you.
Jan 15, 2012 at 9:33 a.m.
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If I were elected Governor this is what I would do first repeal the collective bargaining law and restore workers’ rights and crack down on any employer that violated their rights to fair working conditions and fair compensation The next thing that would need to be done is I would sit down with our business owners large and small and really work on what is going to be needed realistically to get Wisconsin moving forward to create jobs and get people back to work because the current unemployment rate in Wisconsin is 9.4% as of March 2011 Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That is way too high and I would insist that lawmakers get a plan in place working with businesses large and small to get that number down to 0.0%. The reason I would insist that lawmakers work with the businesses is they are the ones that create the jobs and are on the front lines of job creation and they would be the best source on how we need to accomplish this task. Next priority I would tell the special interest like the Koch Brothers that your days of free tax payer dollars and whatever else they do are over this state belongs to the people of Wisconsin and the politicians work for the people of Wisconsin and not the special interest. Next priority is Education we need to make sure that we give our educators at all levels of education the tools they need to educate our kids so they get the best education they can. See I think we can do all this without raising taxes and we need to work with in a budget like families in Wisconsin do and we can do it the politicians just are not trying hard enough to ensure that the quality of life can improve for all of us in Wisconsin remember people this is your state as much as it is mine if I was a Senator representing this state I would be sure Washington does not try to take advantage of our state and to make sure they work with us to improve life in Wisconsin and give the people of Wisconsin a break they need on health care cost and for doctors and health care providers and insurance companies to bring down their cost and get off the backs of people in Wisconsin so people here can have a chance to improve their health care and save their hard earned money We also need to be sure that law enforcement also has all the tools and training they need to fight crime and keep our streets safe. This is what I want to hear from a candidate no one is interested in who is in who’s back pocket or how many pushups Scotty can do who cares there are more important issues that need addressing and we need a strong Governor and Senators that represent the people of Wisconsin because in the end that’s what this is about. The time has come to unite and send Madison and Washington the message you work for us and not the special interest or any individuals ant to remind the politicians were the ones who decide who goes to Madison WI and Washington.
Jan 15, 2012 at 9:17 a.m.
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I dont believe the Koch_Bros would own an american made vehicle.
Jan 15, 2012 at 8:06 a.m.
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According to this, Tommy wants all of us to have microchips implanted. Chipped like dogs. Is being a fascist the same as being a conservative ?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiLixwNku...
Jan 15, 2012 at 6:41 a.m.
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As an independent I would vote for Tommy Thompson. I remember the things he did for Janesville back in the early 80's. He worked diligently with Les Aspin ( a very Liberal Congessman)to save the GM plant from closing down. He also overhauled the Welfare system to to what I believe is a better system, one that is based on moving forward. He has demonstrated his ability to "cross the aisle" when needed. His history is a good one.
Jan 14, 2012 at 11:04 p.m.
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smartypants ...you have to realize Thompson is a fairly slick career politician. He said he does "about 100 push-ups and 300 sit-ups a day." Two things here. The word "about" provides a huge grey area of definition for everyone, even more so for politicians. To most of us, "about 300 sit-ups" means to do at least 280 or more - to Thompson however, that can mean doing just one. Same with doing them "a day". It's possible Thompson could do 300 sit-ups a day. Again, in politispeak, he would have to do about 13 an hour. It's entirely possible, but I agree with you, in the photos here he doesn't look like a 300 sit-up-a-day person at all.
Jan 14, 2012 at 10:21 p.m.
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wislady: After ObamaCare was passed by the Senate Finance committee, Tommy Thompson co-signed a statement with former Democratic house Majority Leader Richard Gephardt praising the bill. (New York Times, 10/5/09)
Thompson wants Obamacare repealed about as has much as Mitt Romneycare does.
Jan 14, 2012 at 10:13 p.m.
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Wislady, the best thing Thompson has going for him is his work in America's Agenda helping pass health care reform, although that won't save him, and if you listen carefully to what Thompson says in your video with Cavuto, he beef with the Obama ad was that he never gave anyone permission to use his name in an ad that critcizes republicans.
http://www.clubforgrowth.org/assets/file...
Jan 14, 2012 at 8:54 p.m.
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@lovemycountry
Why would you post a video that was a lie? No one gave permission to use his endorsement for the HC bill, and in fact, the ad was pulled.
HERE......Mr. Thompson states he did not endorse it....Joe Wilson was right (Obama lies).
Tommy Thompson Talks Health Care Reform w/ Neil Cavuto
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&fe...
Jan 14, 2012 at 8:46 p.m.
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With friends like Tommy Thompson, Scott Walker doesn't need many enemies. Talk about a half hearted endorsement! This is the same Tim Cullen who left the state, basked in the glory of occupiers, and opposed any benefits for private sector employees paying their way with high deductible health insurance policy with HSA,s. This was at the same time he favored free health insurance and pensions for spoiled government employees. Thanks a lot Tommie and your pal Timmie
Jan 14, 2012 at 8:40 p.m.
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The guests appearing with Thompson are also of a higher caliber than the person that Jessica King (D), Cullen (D), Jauch (D), and Lautenschlager have been hanging around with. They should be ashamed of themselves for touting the views of someone who hates our troops.
Former Wisconsin AG Endorses “F*** The Troops” Blogger
The welcoming committee for Ian Murphy appears now to extend beyond some local Democratic Party officials and three Democrat state senators. Appearing on a brochure promoting Ian Murphy’s tour of Wisconsin is no less than Peg Lautenshlager, the state’s former Attorney General.
Also mentioned in promotional materials and event lists for Murphy’s tour are staffers from the Democratic Party of Wisconsin.
Former Attorney General Lautenshlager, Senators King, Cullen and Jauch, and the county and state Democratic Party officials who welcomed Murphy to Wisconsin should collectively condemn his views and his hate filled writings. It is disrespectful to the thousands of veterans from Wisconsin to welcome to this state a man who believes that American troops deserve to be maimed in combat and die because they wear the uniform of our country.
http://mediatrackers.org/2012/01/former-...
Democrats Embrace Guy Who Wrote F**K THE TROOPS"
http://www.620wtmj.com/blogs/charliesyke...
Senators Cullen, Jauch Meet with “F*** the Troops” Blogger
http://mediatrackers.org/2012/01/video-s...
Jan 14, 2012 at 8:33 p.m.
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Tommy Thompson was a champion of Obamacare. Who you calling an idiot ? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9pYX-oDA...
Jan 14, 2012 at 7:21 p.m.
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some joke on his working out
Jan 14, 2012 at 6:44 p.m.
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"he said he is in good shape, does about 100 push-ups and 300 sit-ups a day." Hahahahahahahahahhahahahahah
Jan 14, 2012 at 6:25 p.m.
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See ya next Saturday in Wauwatosa, Tommy!
Jan 14, 2012 at 6:17 p.m.
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At least he got rid of the black hair!
Jan 14, 2012 at 5:01 p.m.
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"but I am going to come up with ideas on health care, Medicare and the deficit that are going to make our country much better off financially.".......hey tommy, call me when you HAVE ideas.
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