National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Communications Director Brian Walsh issued the following statement in response to reports that U.S. Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI) has decided not to seek re-election in 2012:

“Senator Kohl’s retirement, just like his Democrat colleagues who stepped aside before him, immediately presents another key opportunity for Senate Republicans next year. It also further dilutes the ability of national Democrats to go on offense, while they fight to maintain their dwindling Senate majority.

“As Russ Feingold discovered last year, whomever the Democrats eventually nominate, he or she will have a very tough time selling Wisconsinites on the Washington Democrats’ agenda of reckless deficit spending, massive debt, and job-killing tax hikes. Wisconsin continues to be a prime pickup opportunity for Senate Republicans in 2012.”