Senate candidate Tommy Thompson reportedly donated to Democrats

MADISON (AP) -- Republican Tommy Thompson, a former Wisconsin governor, giving money to Democrats?

That's what federal election records show, as Thompson donated $250 to the campaign of Democratic Michigan Senator Carl Levin and $100 to Democratic North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue in 2008.

Thompson and three other Republicans are running for the U.S. Senate in Wisconsin. Eric Hovde, one of those candidates, has been criticized for giving Democratic Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle $500 in 2005 for Doyle's reelection campaign.

Darrin Schmitz, Thompson's spokesman, said Thursday the donations Thompson made to Democrats were "small, courtesy contributions to people he worked with as secretary or governor."

Records show $12,000 in donations to Republicans running in Wisconsin and no Democrats.