Tommy Whisks In, Then Back Out of Appleton

Tommy Thompson was billed as a participant in a press conference to follow Mark Green's annointing as the GOP candidate for governor, but he was a no-show.

Instead, RPW chairman Rick Graber stood beside Green at the press conference. Green described Thompson as a great friend and mentor. "I think he's thrilled to see me one step away from trying to carry on his legacy," he said.

Thompson had a 4 o'clock flight to catch out of town. It was estimated that he was on the ground in Appleton for about two hours.

Graber said a new era was ushered in on the Appleton stage. "I do think we saw a passing of the torch today from Gov. Thompson," he said.

Graber said he hasn't heard what Thompson's plans are regarding the U.S. Senate race. The party has been trying to recruit him to run against Dem incumbent Herb Kohl. Graber said he expects to hear something in the next few weeks.