Dreams Shattered, Ryan Faces Reality And Pulls Out Of Senate Race

Ryan, who has publicly admitted that his devotion to the dark, dystopian ideas of Ayn Rand were the inspiration for his political career, said his "cause" was embodied in the budget that has been overwhelmingly rejected by the public and threatens to sink the Republican Party. It has also sunk Ryan's real "cause." He's always told intimates that his quest for the White House ran through the Senate. Herb Kohl's retirement was exactly what he was looking for. Until his budget bit him in the ass.

This morning he started telling supporters that he's facing reality and giving up his Senate dreams... at least for now. Tommy Thompson, who was once popular in the state but would probably lose a tough primary, let alone a serious general, is running. Ryan is not.

Ryan began informing close friends of his decision Tuesday. Three GOP sources tell National Journal as soon as Ryan officially announces he won't run for the Senate, former Wisconsin GOP Gov. Tommy Thompson, is expected to announce his candidacy for the Senate seat being vacated by Democratic Sen. Herb Kohl, who recently announced he was retiring.

Thompson, who served as President George W. Bush's Health and Human Services Secretary, has told GOP officials in Wisconsin and D.C. he intends to run if Ryan passes up the open Kohl seat. Ryan has made it clear in recent days he prefers his perch as chairman of the House Budget Committee-- where he believes he can influence, if not drive, the debate on fiscal policy-- to a seat in the Senate.

In other words, it will still be up to Kenosha County Supervisor to end the political career of the worst dangerous for American working families face from DC. You can help Ron at Stop Paul Ryan.

UPDATE: Krugman Kicks More Dirt In Ryan's Face

This shouldn't surprise anyone who follows the Nobel Prize winning economist's blog or columns but this morning reiterated that "Ryan turns out to be an empty suit, parroting the usual line... there’s no there there (and there never was)."