Republicans in state running away from challenging Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin.

MADISON - On the heels of yet another top-tier candidate bowing out the race for Wisconsin's U.S. Senate seat, Republicans in the state have become a part of a national trend of top-tier Republicans running away from challenging Democratic Senators like Senator Tammy Baldwin.

"One after another, high-profile Republicans are deciding against a run for U.S. Senate," said Democratic Party of Wisconsin spokesman Brandon Weathersby. "It's no surprise that Republicans are afraid to face Senator Tammy Baldwin next fall. Her record of fighting for a Wisconsin economy that works for everyone and standing up to special interests in Washington will make her a formidable opponent for any challenger."  

Here's what they're saying nationally about Republicans' recruiting struggles: 

Politico: Senate GOP recruiting slow-going for 2018
"Rep. Sean Duffy bowed out early, and Republicans haven’t had a clear candidate to take on Baldwin since. Nicole Schneider, a former social worker who also happened to be the heiress to a major trucking company, attracted the attention of the NRSC due to her ability to self-fund, but she’s also decided not to run. Businessman and Iraq War veteran Kevin Nicholson has an attractive résumé, though he was a past president of the College Democrats of America. Businessman Eric Hovde, who finished second in the 2012 GOP primary, is still considering a bid, as is state Sen. Leah Vukmir."

Washington Post: Do Senate Republicans have a Trump recruiting problem?
"In Wisconsin, Rep. Sean P. Duffy (R) decided not to run to challenge Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D). There are at least six possible GOP candidates who could try to challenge Baldwin."

Wall Street Journal: GOP Scrambles to Recruit Senate Candidates
"Among the challenges facing the GOP recruiters is that the environment in Washington appears toxic, and Congress, which has struggled for years to pass major legislation, is viewed by some as an unproductive and unfulfilling job, said GOP strategist Chuck Warren, who has consulted for Sens. Orrin Hatch of Utah and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina."