Wis. Assembly Speaker 1 step closer to Senate run

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin state Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald is one step closer to a U.S. Senate run.

The Republican from Horicon was one of the central figures in the tumultuous wrangling over union rights earlier this year. He has filed a statement of organization with the Federal Election Commission, a step that allows him to start raising campaign funds.

Spokesman John Jagler says Fitzgerald will make an official announcement of his candidacy the week of Oct. 10.

Former U.S. Rep. Mark Neumann was the first Republican to announce. Former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson is among those who are seriously considering a run.

The only Democratic candidate who has announced a run so far is U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin.

The Senate seat is being vacated by Democratic Sen. Herb Kohl, who is retiring.