by Eric Dondero

No, we're not talking of the 1980s British New Wave band of the same name. And in actuality they're not technically Twins. But they are brothers, only two years apart.

There are increasing indications that former two-term Governor Tommy Thompson is preparing to launch a bid for the US Senate, challening ultra-progressive Democrat incumbent Russ Feingold.

A recent poll by Rasmussen showed Thompson ahead in a hypothetical match-up with Feingold, by five points. That's actually a slight increase in his margin, from a similar poll conducted a month ago.

Now CBS News quotes a top Thompson aide saying the chance that he'd run is now about 70% Yes.

From CBS:

Thompson has been the marquee Republican in the state for decades and was elected as governor four times. He also served as secretary of health and human services in the Bush administration and ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008.

He has been rumored to be interested in a political comeback, and today's news [beginning of fundraising effort] is the clearest indication yet that he could be doing just that.

If Thompson runs [that would put] another Democratic Senate seat in play for a takeover and increasing the possibility that Republicans could win control of the Senate in the midterm elections.

Interestingly, Tommy's younger brother Ed, has already announced for the State Senate.

Ed Thompson is the Mayor of Tomah, population 8,000 in southern Wisconsin. He's also quite the local celebrity; a former professional boxer, owner/operator of the downtown Tomah tavern/keno parlor The TeePee.

And he's a Libertarian, with a capitol 'L'; longtime member of the Libertarian Party. He is now seeking the Republican nomination to run against a Democrat incumbent for the local Senate seat.

If Thompson the elder does indeed jump in, there would be an instant novelty factor no doubt benefiting both candidates, of a brother running for the US Senate, and another brother for the State Senate. Precisely the stuff, the major network morning shows and cable news networks love to carry.

Not too mention the boost in votes for both campaigns such a novelty would bring. A voter in southern Wisconsin might be more inclined to pull the lever for the "ole' Thompson Boys" just to shake things up in Madison and Washington.

Full Disclosure: I was once a patron of Ed's Tavern in Tomah. While traveling through Wisconsin I stopped by for a visit. I was fortunate enough to have met him while there. He had his signature apron on, and was tending bar. He served me up a lager, or two.