Posted Thursday, September 27, 2012 --- 10:15 a.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The Republican Party's hopes for capturing control of the Senate may depend on winning an open seat in Wisconsin, but GOP anxieties are growing over the recent swoon of candidate Tommy Thompson. Thompson, the state's former Republican governor, has lost momentum after leading Democratic opponent Tammy Baldwin for months. Some party insiders blame Thompson's low public profile while he concentrated on fundraising.

Baldwin, who has a financial advantage, has blanketed the airwaves with advertising and made appearances across the state. Thompson backers are pushing him to return to his old style of frequent community rallies. Thompson campaign officials say he will be in public more and increase his advertising as the race enters the homestretch. Recent polls have indicated the race is even or that Thompson may be behind.

Copyright 2012. The Associated Press.