ON WISCONSIN – AT 12:24 P.M. ET:  Democratic Senator Herb Kohl of Wisconsin has announced that he will not be running again, creating an open seat in his state, and paving the way for what could become one of the most important Senate races in the nation.

There's already speculation that Republican Congressman Paul Ryan, a rising GOP star will enter the race.  It will be a risk, obviously, because he'd have to give up the House seat from which he has won fame and praise.  There is also speculation that former Democratic Senator Russ Feingold, defeated for reelection last year, will throw his hat in the ring.

A Ryan-Feingold race would be a wonder, pitting a thoughtful, committed, creative conservative against a a respected liberal of real conviction, who established a fine reputation in the Senate.  The great issues of our time could be debated by two men capable of doing it.  If Ryan wins, as we would hope he would, the next step would clearly be a presidential run.

Wisconsin has made a lot of news recently, with the principled stand of Republican Governor Scott Walker in dealing with public-service unions.  It may make history again, as the launching ground for a president.

May 14, 2011