Dave Westlake is Desperate for Attention

Dave Westlake -- whose campaign website promises "no gimmicks" -- has decided to wear blaze orange to every campaign appearance from now until the 2010 election.

I suppose it might make him feel safer at the October 17 "Open Carry" Tea Party at Lake Front Park in Hudson. Personally, I think it's unnecessary. No one's going to be shooting at deer in a park, especially in the middle of a crowded event. If someone gets clumsy and accidentally discharges a gun, blaze orange clothing won't make a bit of difference.

All jokes aside, I suspect Westlake's decision to wear blaze orange was inspired by Madison developer Terrence Wall's possible entry into the Republican primary race to challenge Feingold. Westlake wants to establish himself as a populist Republican instead of a country club Republican.

I doubt anyone will see Terrence Wall at an "Open Carry" Tea Party.