UNDATED (WSAU) Former Congressman Mark Neumann says he’d push for a 12-year term limit if he’s elected to the U-S Senate this fall. The Waukesha County Republican held a news conference in Madison yesterday to announce what he calls his “Clean Up Washington” plan. He said his term limit measure would not apply to those who’ve already been in office more than 12 years. Neumann also said he wants to discourage former lawmakers from becoming lobbyists, by stripping congressional pensions and benefits from those who join those ranks.

Neumann also said he wants to make sure legislation is legal, by requiring sponsors to cite the part of the Constitution which authorizes their bills.

Meanwhile, Republican Tommy Thompson unveiled sweeping changes to the federal tax code which he would seek if he’s elected to the Senate. Thompson called the current tax system “dysfunctional” as the result of quote, “political manipulation and special interest pandering.” The former governor said he would make the Bush tax cuts permanent, limit federal spending to 18.5 percent of the gross domestic product, and move toward a flat income tax.

State Democratic Party chairman Mike Tate called the tax plan a gimmick and said it would benefit wealthy people. Thompson and Neumann are in a tight G-O-P Senate primary with Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald and hedge fund manager Eric Hovde. They’ll square off August 14th, with the winner to face Democrat Tammy Baldwin in November for the Senate seat to be given up by Herb Kohl.