A Dane County board member is exploring a Democratic primary challenge to Madison Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin.

David de Felice (pronounced Day-full-LEE-chay) said he's frustrated with Baldwin and the Democratic majorities in Congress that they haven't advocated more strongly for liberal health reform proposals such as a single-payer plan or a strong "public option" plan that wouldn't have to negotiate the prices it pays to doctors and hospitals.

"I'm talking to people to see if they feel as I do that there needs to be a voice on some of these issues," de Felice said. "I think Democrats should act like Democrats."

De Felice, whose wife committed suicide in 2006, said he also wants to bring public attention to the issue of mental health care and to oppose wasteful defense spending. He said he's going to form an exploratory committee to look at a run.

Spokeswoman Jerilyn Goodman said Baldwin's attention was on the "historic health-care reform legislation" before the House.

"Health care for all is the issue that brought Tammy into the political world. She is focused on making this the best bill possible and not thinking about next year's campaign," Goodman said.

Baldwin's district includes all of Columbia County.