MONROE - Sen. Jon Erpenbach likes his home in the Senate, and would prefer to be at home with his family to running for governor.
Erpenbach, D-Waunakee, said Monday he will not be a candidate for governor in 2010. When Gov. Jim Doyle announced two weeks ago he wouldn't seek a third-term, Erpenbach said he'd considered a run.
"I'm flattered that I was considered and I'm thankful for the encouragement to run," he said Monday.
But he decided a gubernatorial campaign would take time he'd rather spend with his two children.
"I would be checking out of my personal life and not be home for the next year and a half," Erpenbach said said. "You have to spend a lot of time raising money."
Erpenbach, who was first elected to the Senate in 1998, plans to seek another four-year term in 2010. He ran unopposed in 2006.
"Being in the Senate is an honor. I love the job," he said. "I just do the best I can to represent my district."
Erpenbach serves on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Utilities, Energy and Rail; the Committee on Education; Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform and Housing; and is chairman of the Senate Committee in Health, Health Insurance, privacy, property Tax Relief and Revenue. Erpenbach was Senate Minority Leader in 2003
Gov. Jim Doyle announced last month he wouldn't seek a third term as Wisconsin governor.
Republicans running for governor include Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and former Congressman Mark Neumnann. Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton, a Democrat, has said she will run. Other Democrats considering candidacies are Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and U.S. Rep. Ron Kind of La Crosse.
Erpenbach, D-Waunakee, said Monday he will not be a candidate for governor in 2010. When Gov. Jim Doyle announced two weeks ago he wouldn't seek a third-term, Erpenbach said he'd considered a run.
"I'm flattered that I was considered and I'm thankful for the encouragement to run," he said Monday.
But he decided a gubernatorial campaign would take time he'd rather spend with his two children.
"I would be checking out of my personal life and not be home for the next year and a half," Erpenbach said said. "You have to spend a lot of time raising money."
Erpenbach, who was first elected to the Senate in 1998, plans to seek another four-year term in 2010. He ran unopposed in 2006.
"Being in the Senate is an honor. I love the job," he said. "I just do the best I can to represent my district."
Erpenbach serves on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Utilities, Energy and Rail; the Committee on Education; Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform and Housing; and is chairman of the Senate Committee in Health, Health Insurance, privacy, property Tax Relief and Revenue. Erpenbach was Senate Minority Leader in 2003
Gov. Jim Doyle announced last month he wouldn't seek a third term as Wisconsin governor.
Republicans running for governor include Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and former Congressman Mark Neumnann. Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton, a Democrat, has said she will run. Other Democrats considering candidacies are Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and U.S. Rep. Ron Kind of La Crosse.