Former Republican congressman Mark Neumann formally announced Monday he will run for the U.S. Senate seat Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wis.) will vacate in 2012.
Neumann publicized his plans on Charlie Sykes' Milwaukee-based radio show Monday morning.
Neumann said the national debt has caused massive changes in the United States within the last year and people have acknowledged the need for politicians to balance the budget.
""[The American people] have recognized that it's time for a balanced budget,"" Neumann said. ""They're looking for someone who can bring them a vision of hope in this country that includes a balanced budget [and] job creation.""
Neumann served as congressman for Wisconsin's 1st District from 1995 to 1999. He lost against Gov. Scott Walker in the Wisconsin gubernatorial Republican primary race last year.
Neumann criticized U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., on her spending record. Baldwin is also expected to run for the seat in the Senate. According to a National Journal analysis, she was rated the most liberal of 435 members in the U.S. House of Representatives.
""It is essential that we bring Tammy Baldwin's record to the forefront,"" Neumann said.
Neumann advised against spending more money in the federal government than what is available.
""Someone needs to bring that common sense principle to D.C.,"" Neumann said. ""We understand that when we make those cuts in spending, there's going to be a future in this country.""
The Democratic Party of Wisconsin issued a statement following the broadcast, condemning the way in which he announced his intentions on a right-wing radio show.
""It's no wonder Neumann would announce his candidacy to a rabid partisan like Charlie Sykes, and shows that his first priority is service to right-wing talk show hosts and their Tea Party audience—not Wisconsin's middle class families,"" the statement read.
