Russ Feingold's post-State plans: Wisconsin listening tour

MADISON (AP) — Democrat Russ Feingold says he plans to travel Wisconsin extensively after leaving his post at the State Department, but he's not saying yet whether he will try to return to the U.S. Senate.

Feingold said in a Facebook post Tuesday that he wants to listen to Wisconsinites about their concerns as he decides how he can "best further serve my country and the state I love."

Feingold's departure this week from his special envoy post is fueling speculation that he's preparing to announce a challenge to Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson.

Johnson is up for re-election next year. He defeated Feingold in 2010.

Feingold says he plans to spend part of this year teaching at Stanford University. The rest of the time he will "travel the state extensively."