Now it's official. Former Doyle Commerce Seretary Richard Leinenkugel is going to run for the Republican nomination to challenge Russ Feingold. This is going to pit a candidate from central casting with a big Wisconsin name (literally and figuratively) against his association with an unpopular Democratic Governor.

Further, conservatives in Wisconsin will have to decide if the prospect of defeating Feingold is worth a "hold your nose moment" that could last six years. A friend pointed out to me yesterday that he believes that Tommy Thompson's hypothetical #'s against Feingold were a lot more "anti-Russ" than they were "pro-Tommy." I think that's a valid theory. This is not to say that Leinenkugel is a lock for the nomination, but one would have to think it's a real uphill battle for Wall and David Westlake from here on out.