MADISON, Wis. -- Former Wisconsin governor and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson said that he'll announce his political intentions at the state Republican Convention in Appleton in May.

Thompson, in a satellite interview from Columbus, Ohio, on Wednesday, continues to fuel speculation that he might run for governor again or the U.S. Senate, WISC-TV reported.

Although some of his closest advisors have expressed serious doubts about whether he'll run again this year, Thompson hasn't put the rumors to bed.

Thompson said that Wisconsin needs a new direction and that he and incumbent Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle have never gotten along in politics.

"I'm ready for anything that's going to be thrown at me in this coming year," he said. "Whether it be governor, or U.S. senator or running for mayor of Elroy or just being a private citizen supporting other people."

Thompson said that his answer to the lingering questions will come in May.

"I'm going to be making a speech at the Republican Convention and I'll make a decision a little bit prior to that time, but will be announcing it at the Republican Convention."

Thompson spoke highly of the only Republican currently in already in the governor's race, U.S. Rep. Mark Green. He called the congressman an "excellent" candidate and a "fine young man."

Thompson left his Cabinet spot in early 2005 and has been touring the country giving speeches on health care since then, WISC-TV reported.

He has proven to be a prolific fundraiser, but he could have trouble matching Green or Doyle's campaign war chests if he decided to enter the race as late as mid-May.

The three-day convention is scheduled for May 19-21 in Appleton.