Former State Sen. Pat Kreitlow has already taken the first step, forming an exploratory committee to run for the 7th Congressional District seat won in November by Republican Sean Duffy.


And there are all sorts of rumors that he will make it official this week.


Kreitlow apparently is this year's choice of Dave Obey, who formerly held the seat. Obey, who retired after 40 years in the House, cleared the Democratic field last year for State Sen. Julie Lassa, who lost to Duffy.


Also considering entering the race as a Democrat: Kevin Shibilski, former State Senator and state tourism secretary, who said last year he could self-fund a race to the tune of $1-million or more. Shibilski bowed out in 2010 in the name of Democratic unity, but may not be willing to do it again. Some Dems thought a primary would have been healthy and perhaps would have produced a stronger, tested candidate last year.  Maybe this time it will happen.