Thompson’s Staff in Dispute with Media

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The campaign staff of Republican Senate candidate Tommy Thompson tried to keep the news media away from Thompson Friday afternoon, as a reporter questioned the candidate about property Thompson owns in other states.

When politicians finish speaking to the Milwaukee Press Club, they’re usually available for additional questions from the media. But Friday, Thompson tried to quickly leave a press club luncheon. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Columnist Dan Bice waited for Thompson out on the sidewalk and started asking the former governor a few questions including about homes Thompson owns elsewhere, “You just bought a house in Florida last year, right (yeh) you had nine condos in Washington.”

As he got into the passenger seat of his SUV, Thompson replied that he’s always voted in Wisconsin and came home almost every weekend. Bice tried to ask Thompson more questions, but Thompson aide Lisa Boothe insisted the vehicle door be shut, “We can’t close the door if you don’t move, excuse me, excuse me.”

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Thompson then left for a campaign appearance in Racine. He appeared to be ahead of schedule for his next stop.