On a recent campaign stop, former Wisconsin Gov. and current Senate candidate Tommy Thompson spoke to the Janesville Gazette.

Thompson is facing a primary against former Rep. Mark Neumann and Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald, both of whom frame themselves as more conservative alternatives. So of course, Thompson spent much of his interview trying to debunk the idea that he has a moderate record.

But then, when asked about the union-funded recall of Gov. Scott Walker, Thompson threw in this odd statement, in which he mentions Democratic state Sen. Tim Cullen:

“I absolutely abhor recalls,” Thompson said. “But if there’s a recall, I would much rather have Tim Cullen run than the other Democrats that are running. I still support Scott Walker and always will. I think he’s doing a wonderful job. … But if there is a recall, I think Tim should jump into it.”

Granted, Thompson and Cullen are personal friends (a friend points out that he served in Thompson's administration 20 years ago), but this seems like a less-than-wholehearted expression of support for Walker.

(h/t National Journal Hotline.)