Even though I disagree with most of his policies, I love Tommy Thompson.

The former governor, who never met a piece of open land that he didn't want to build something on and assign his name to it, is a guy with whom I'm friendly.

I've played poker with him before and we've had cocktails. He's a guy with a good and vibrant sense of humor. He had a clear vision of what he wanted to do and pursued that vision with vigor and skill.

Sure, I often argued with him over his ideas. Even though he's a moderate Republican he's way too far right wing for me. But I think I know him pretty well.

Which makes it all the more perplexing as I try to figure out why he is going to run for the United States Senate.

Thompson is nearly 70 years old. If he should be elected to the senate he will be the oldest rookie senator in the place. Rookie senators become junior members of committees. They have almost no power or influence.

Thompson does bring much more experience than your average first term senator so he may get a little bit more of a nod of recognition. But he's going to be a first term senator in a minority party. If he thinks that he might be able to run for President from his senate seat he's delusional. By the time the next presidential election rolls around he'll be 74, four years older than Ronald Reagan was when he was elected.

I don't suppose that Thompson really cares what I think, but who knows. If I were doing the recommending, I would suggest that he dispense his campaign fund, take another couple of seats on corporate boards, and try to enjoy his life.

I know he's a political animal and nothing excites him more than a good campaign and a chance to influence public policy. But if that's it, he could go home to Elroy and run for mayor or something.

But I think he's just opening himself up to extensive criticism and harsh treatment from a segment of his own party. Harsh enough that it may well sully the reputation of a man who was a very effective governor.