U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy, R-Wausau, announced today he won’t run for the U.S. Senate next year, saying it is not the right time.

“We have eight great kids and family always comes first,” Duffy said in a statement.

Duffy was considered a top GOP candidate to take on U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison, next year, and some Republicans were waiting on the congressman to make a decision before making a call on bids of their own.

Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, has said he would consider a run, but only if Duffy did not get into the race. Other possible candidates so far include: businessman and 2012 candidate Eric Hovde, state Rep. Dale Kooyenga, former Marine Kevin Nicholson and state Sen. Leah Vukmir.

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