An openly gay Wisconsin state lawmaker has confirmed he is “seriously considering” a run for the U.S. House of Representatives if Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) vacates her seat in a bid for the U.S. Senate.
State Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Madison), said he has long told people of his desire to run for Congress, and he may soon get that chance.
Baldwin, one of only four openly gay members of Congress, is rumored to be considering a run for the Senate seat currently held by Wisconsin’s senior Congressman Herb Kohl.
Last month, Kohl (D) announced he would not seek a fourth term in office in 2012.
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Pocan says he has been asked about his interest in Baldwin’s seat by numerous organizations, including the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, which provides financial and campaign support to gay and lesbian candidates across the country. Pocan, who is gay, says the D.C.-based group is “very enthusiastically” promoting his interest in Baldwin’s seat.
Pocan says he has spoken to Baldwin and that she is fine with his beginning to publicly discuss his interest in her seat should she run for Kohl’s seat.
If victorious in a Senate race, Baldwin would become the first ever openly gay U.S. Senator.
