Wisconsin U.S. Representative (D-Madison) Tammy Baldwin has announced today that she will run for the U.S. Senate in the 2012 elections.  Baldwin made her announcement through a video on her campaign website www.tammybaldwin.com.  “We all know these are tough times for the middle class,” said Baldwin.  “I’m used to facing challenges head on and my top priority will be standing up for the middle class.”

Tammy Baldwin was first elected to Congress in 1998 and is now running for the Senate seat vacated by Democrat Herb Kohl. So far, Baldwin is the only candidate in the Democratic Senate primary, but that might not stay true for long. Rep. Ron Kind and former Rep. Steve Kagen are also considering bids.

Currently there are 17 women serving in the U.S. Senate and if elected, Baldwin would become the first female from Wisconsin to serve in the Senate.