MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - Two Republicans who want to replace Herb Kohl in the U.S. Senate received some notable endorsements today. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee -- who ran for the White House in 2008 -- endorsed former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson. And the Senate Conservatives' Fund, chaired by South Carolina House Republican Jim DeMint, announced an endorsement for former House Republican Mark Neumann of Waukesha County. DeMint told supporters that Neumann is a proven conservative leader, and he's running against a candidate who quote, "helped President Obama pass his health-care takeover." Ever since it was first hinted that Thompson would run for the Senate, he has denied supporting the final Obama health package. Thompson said a while back that he could favor an early version of the reform proposals -- but he could not support the many changes that were made since his original comment. Huckabee said he's planning to appear with Thompson at a campaign event in the Badger State in mid-December. Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald and state Senator Frank Lasee of De Pere are also seeking the Republican U.S. Senate bid. Madison Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin is the only Democratic hopeful. Kohl, a Democrat, announced this spring he would retire next year after 24 years in the Senate.