Posted on 03/05/2021 5:37:19 PM PST by RandFan
Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson (R) said Friday that he has not decided on whether to run for reelection next year but hinted that retiring after the end of his second term is “probably my preference now.”
Johnson made a vow to serve only two terms in the Senate when he first ran for the upper chamber, and his seat is expected to be hotly contested by Democrats whether or not he runs again. In comments to Wisconsin media outlets that his office confirmed to The Hill, Johnson indicated he’s leaning toward honoring his pledge but added the caveat that the promise was made when Democrats did not hold full control of Washington.
"That pledge is on my mind, it was my preference then, I would say it’s probably my preference now," Johnson said. "I’m happy to go home."
"I think that pledge was based on the assumption we wouldn’t have Democrats in total control of government and we’re seeing what I would consider the devastating and harmful effects of Democrats total control just ramming things through," he said.
While speculation swirls over whether the swing-state Republican will fight for a third term, Johnson indicated Friday he’s in no hurry to make up his mind given that the midterm contests are still 20 months away.
"The only people who want me to decide right now are consultants, and particularly the consultants of other people who may want to run for the U.S. Senate seat, they’d like to start raising money and start making money right off the bat," Johnson told 620 WTMJ radio Friday. "I think it’ll save everybody a lot of money by just holding tight and making a decision when I’m ready to."
Wisconsin is a lynchpin of both parties’ strategies for controlling the next Senate. Democrats are eager to expand their 50-50 majority, and Johnson’s seat, along with those in Pennsylvania and North Carolina, is a top target. Republicans are going on offense in Georgia and Arizona, as well as Nevada and New Hampshire, but could face headwinds in retaking the upper chamber if they lose Johnson’s seat.
Former President Trump won Wisconsin narrowly in 2016 by under 1 percentage point, while Johnson won reelection that year by about 3 points. However, President Biden won Wisconsin last year just over 20,000 votes, and Democrats scored wins in the 2018 statewide races, with Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D) cruising to reelection.
A number of Democrats have already jumped into the 2022 Wisconsin Senate race, including Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson, Milwaukee Bucks executive Alex Lasry and Marshfield radiologist Gillian Battino. State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski (D) and Rep. Ron Kind (D) are also considering bids.
Speculation over Johnson’s electoral future comes as the Wisconsin Republican thrusts himself into the center of the Senate debate over Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. Johnson has come out swinging against the bill as too expensive, and irked senators of both parties by forcing the chamber’s clerks to read the entire piece of legislation.
I wish he would stay longer too, but The Voter Fraud Fiasco of 2020 probably knocked a lot of wind out of many people.
Maybe he’s just had enough of trying to hold back the deluge.
Tossup + no fight =new candidate.
One of the few GOP Senators that deserves to be re-elected.
He is such a good man, it would be a shame to lose him.
He might realize the voting fraud will still be around to usher him out of office in 2022.
No one can trust the vote anymore.
They would cheat him anyway.
All patriots should send support to Senator Johnson, words of thanks and/or money. He seems to be the only Senator on the side of a free America.
For him to amass so much power as a Senator in just 2 terms speaks volumes as to his character. He's a solid Republican.
BILL READING
WE SHOULD REQUIRE ANY CANDIDATE FOR LEGISLATION TAKE THAT POSITION TO GET OUR ENDORSEMENT (MONEY)
Right Ron, Washington certainly can’t have any constitution abiding conservatives around, right?
Well Team Trump better start looking for a MAGA candidate right now. Hopefully the Save America PAC isn’t full of swamp/GOPe/RINOS.
“I live in WI. Johnson is an Oshkosh businessman and has repeatedly said he wanted to return to the private sector.
For him to amass so much power as a Senator in just 2 terms speaks volumes as to his character. He’s a solid Republican.”
Exactly. He is the Real Deal. We’ve disagreed on a few finer points, but all in all, I’ve voted for him in the past, and would, again.
Disappointing and discouraging news.
Earlier today, I suggested on another FR thread that he’d be my pick to replace Benedict Pence as Trump’s running mate in 2024.
President Trump needs a high caliber quality individual like Senator Johnson on his ticket.
Moreover, it would help enormously to have someone from one of the five or so suspicious states from the stolen election represented for electoral advantage.
Hopefully, Johnson will stay involved to some degree.
Anyone in office has to be thinking about exiting because of what the Uniparty is going to ask of them if they want to be elected or re-elected. Candidates can no longer say to the Uniparty "but I bring this many votes in." The Uniparty now says, "since we proved we can rig an election in broad daylight with impunity, what are you going to do for us to rig your vote for you?"
The Uniparty is going to ask candidates for some very criminal and aberrant behavior.
The cheating Wisconsin Dem party has made Johnson the #1 target to flip a Senate Seat.
$ Multi Millions from Hollywood have already been pledged to defeat Johnson.
I am grateful he’s there.
Hope he will change his mind, however any good Republicans in Wisconsin? Scott Walker?
When Johnson goes, the seat will flip back top its historic Democrat ownership.
Any candidate will be asked regardless of affiliation one question: when elected, will you vote will the democrat party?
Those that say no will not be elected. Those that claim they will bring in so many votes, will be told they can make as many votes as needed - vote getting is no longer an asset.
With HR1 becoming law under the Regime, there will be no other electable party but the CCP-sponsored Democrat Party.
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