Herb Kohl Retiring In 2012?

Could Senator Herb Kohl have plans to retire his seat at the end of the term and forgo running for reelection in 2012?

His spokeswoman told Roll Call on Wednesday that the senator would make a decision later this year on whether or not to run.

When National Journal caught up with the Wisconsin Democrat on Tuesday, he remained tight-lipped on the matter. Kohl reportedly walked away after learning that he was being asked about his plans by a reporter.

The same day, another Democratic senator wouldn't confirm that Kohl would seek another term. Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), who chairs the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, had very little to say when The Hill inquired about her colleague. She reportedly limited her response to: "Herb's just great."

Republicans pulled off a major victory in Wisconsin in the 2010 midterm election season with the defeat of former senator Russ Feingold. Roll Call recently reported:

In Wisconsin, Sen. Herb Kohl (D) has enjoyed support from more than a quarter of Republicans in his past two elections, but not one Democratic candidate in a Senate race with an exit poll achieved that last year.