Tammy Baldwin's path to the Senate just got a bit easier. Rep. Kind is not running.

[jefferson_dem]

Exclusive: Rep. Kind says no to Senate run

Wisconsin Rep. Ron Kind is opting against a U.S. Senate run, removing a significant obstacle from Rep. Tammy Baldwin's pathway to the Democratic nomination.

In a statement obtained exclusively by POLITICO to be released later this morning, Kind says the prospect of a divisive primary was one of the reasons he's passing on a bid to succeed Sen. Herb Kohl.

"I have been urged by many across Wisconsin to run for Senate. I thank them sincerely for their steadfast support and their trust in my commitment to put solving peoples' problems first and foremost ," Kind says.

"But that commitment has lead me to this conclusion: Now is not my time to run for the U.S. Senate," he continues.

The removal of Kind from the field is a boon to Baldwin, who is aiming to become the first ever elected openly gay Senator.

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http://www.politico.com/blogs/davidcatanese/0911/Exclusive_Rep_Kind_says_no_to_Senate_run.html

[WI_DEM]

1. barring Feingold running she is probably the strongest candidate

I'll be working for her.