AMAC Exclusive – By Shane Harris
![Republican](https://static-asset.amac.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/28062130/Ron-Johnson-official-photo-2020-1-1.jpg)
In next year’s midterm elections, Republicans need a net gain of just one seat to flip the Senate. While the disastrous record of Congressional Democrats and the Biden administration thus far leaves GOP candidates in an apparently strong position, Republicans will still have to defend 20 of the 34 seats up for grabs. Compounding this challenge, five Republican senators have already announced their retirement, and history shows that open seats are far more difficult to defend than seats in which the incumbent runs again. Of the 29 remaining senators, 25 have said they will seek reelection, while only four remain undecided – Democrat Patrick Leahy (VT) and Republicans John Thune (SD), Lisa Murkowski (AK) and Ron Johnson (WI).
Of those four, Ron Johnson’s decision will undoubtedly have the greatest impact on overall control of the Senate, and perhaps on the future direction of the Republican Party. For starters, it’s unlikely that Democrats will lose Leahy’s seat in deep blue Vermont, or that Republicans will lose Murkowski or Thune’s seat in deep red Alaska and South Dakota. In purple Wisconsin however, which went for Biden by a mere 20,000 votes in 2020 after Trump won there by about the same margin in 2016, holding on to Johnson’s seat may be a much more difficult proposition for Republicans.
Perhaps even more consequentially, since first winning election to the Senate in 2010, Johnson has been a stalwart defender of conservative ideals, showing great integrity and resolve even when other members of his own party have not. He has also worked tirelessly to better the lives of people in his home state, exhibiting a selfless commitment to public service that is all too rare among elected officials today. At a time when the country desperately needs both strength and compassion from its leaders, losing Johnson’s voice in the Senate could be a major blow to Republicans – and indeed the entire country – even if the GOP manages to hold on to his seat.
Johnson became something of a celebrity among Republicans before even being sworn in after defeating three-term incumbent Democrat Russ Feingold. Prior to Johnson’s victory, no Republican had won a U.S. Senate seat in Wisconsin since Robert Kasten, Jr. in 1986 – who was defeated by Feingold in 1992. A quiet businessman who had never before considered running for public office, Johnson saw the disastrous consequences of President Obama’s policies early on and stepped forward into the fray to help prevent the United States from being turned into a “socialist, European-style” state.
With the help of other like-minded conservatives and local Tea Party activists, Johnson won and never looked back. His class of Republicans took control of Congress back from Democrats, helping stem the flood of liberal policies emanating from the Obama White House.
Then, wrongly left for dead and cut off from funding by the Washington establishment in his 2016 reelection campaign, Johnson fought it out and won the seat a second time.
In the years since, Johnson has built perhaps the most impressive resume of any Republican currently serving in Congress, at least from the standpoint of facing down radical Democrats, the liberal media, and the soft approach of some elected officials inside the GOP.
On several occasions, Johnson took stances on issues that he knew he would be mercilessly criticized for, only to be vindicated later on. Along with Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton, Johnson was one of the first Congressional Republicans to push for answers on the origins of COVID-19, insisting that the lab-leak hypothesis was a viable possibility last year. The New York Times lambasted Johnson as the “foremost amplifier of conspiracy theories and disinformation” in part for that theory, a theory that later came to be regarded as not only a possibility but even a likelihood.
Instead of gloating, Johnson has continued to push for answers on COVID-19, holding government officials like Dr. Anthony Fauci accountable for their shaky record on both preventative and early treatments for the virus.
Johnson also took the lead on the investigation into the Biden family’s ties to foreign governments, including in Ukraine and China, from his post as chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Although the media and unelected bureaucrats inside the federal government desperately tried to delay and downplay the damning final report, which was released just over a year ago, Johnson’s work ultimately raised new questions about Hunter Biden’s business dealings and how much involvement Joe Biden had in advancing his son in roles he was otherwise thoroughly unqualified for.
Johnson’s questioning even apparently drew the attention of the FBI, which Johnson says sent “briefers” to “warn” him that he was the target of “Russian disinformation.” Johnson wasn’t buying it, and demanded to know who sent the briefers to try to intimidate him.
True to form, the media claimed Johnson’s findings about Joe and Hunter Biden were nothing more than “conspiracy theories.” But in the months since, Twitter has been forced to apologize for censoring a bombshell New York Post story on Hunter Biden, the entire Biden family has faced conflict of interest concerns over Hunter’s bizarre new career as an artist, and new evidence continues to emerge about the President’s knowledge of his son’s misadventures. Once again, Johnson looks to be vindicated, this time for inspiring more investigation into the Bidens. Nonetheless, he’s still looking for more answers, insisting that the American people deserve to know the full truth about the Bidens’ involvement with foreign governments.
The media also slammed Johnson for suggesting that the FBI knew more about the January 6 Capitol riot than they were letting on. CNN called it a “ridiculous conspiracy theory,” while Johnson also faced the wrath of the ever-irascible Amy Klobuchar inside the halls of the Senate for his statements. Then came the news from the New York Times late last month that at least one FBI informant was among those who entered the Capitol, whose texts supported Johnson’s theory. Don’t expect an apology from the media voices and Democrats who slandered Johnson anytime soon.
The list goes on for Johnson. He was an early advocate of Right to Try legislation, which President Trump ultimately signed into law in 2018. He has demanded answers from Biden officials for the ongoing crisis at the border, blamed Biden’s border policies for the increasing number of human trafficking cases, called out military officials for their descent into wokeness, and strongly opposed radical leftist indoctrination in school classrooms. On every issue facing the country today, Johnson has remained true to his conservative roots and led, even in the face of withering attacks from the media and the left-wing mob.
In Wisconsin, Johnson has leveraged his business acumen and dedication to serving his constituents through programs like the Joseph Project, which he founded in 2015. The initiative helps connect employers to job seekers, in particular formerly incarcerated individuals and those looking to turn their lives around through honest work. Working with local pastors, the Joseph Project hosts week-long sessions to teach job seekers the skills they need not only to land a job, but to be financially stable and successful long-term. Upon completing the program, every participant is guaranteed an interview for a well-paying entry-level job.
To date, the program has graduated more than 500 people and has expanded from its original base in Milwaukee to serve other cities throughout the state.
In short, Johnson has consistently displayed courage — the indispensable virtue that was integral to the founding of this country and to its preservation in trying times, but which is equally lacking among many leaders of both parties today. He showed the courage to adhere to certain core principles even when it would be easier not to, and the courage to fight battles that he knows he is likely to lose simply because it is the right thing to do. For a party that has long been plagued by its leaders caving under pressure from Democrats, media, and outside groups, and for a country that is too often led by cowards, Johnson’s continued presence in the Senate would be a very welcome development.
You should tap the “brakes” on your name calling and bad spelling — both undermine you, not Johnson.
You are a feckless old fart!!!!
It is my hope that Ron Johnson will continue on as Senator of WI…He is of a rare breed of politician for the GOP & all people under his stewardship…In many respects he parallels Trump’s core values
as a republican senator from Wisconsin…
That Biden in 2020 won by a mere 20,000 votes is a bit of a stretch in a otherwise well written article, WI along with so many other states are in desperate need of honest election audits to be conducted across the nation, all ( 50 ) states should be doing these audits right now on the 2020 election, until this gets done, there will be a ” dark cloud ” over US election integrity forevermore…
Bill on the Hill… :~)
I…along with others have lost faith in the government…on both sides…Republicans and Democrats are corrupt…not all Republicans…but enough…the long-standing politician has no spine…why not vote for a business person…veteran…or athlete…my opinion…its going to be difficult to vote for career politicians…
We have this one here in Ohio, Portman, that needs to be replaced by a TRUE Republican. “Porty” is totally useless.
We’ll see how this plays out, but really, there needs to be a major overhaul in both parties. They are both so closely aligned in their personal hard core establishment beliefs that they are actually what is known as the Uni-Party. So many of these folks need to be primaried out and replaced.
Need Johnson or all is Lost
Not to worry. Fraudulent elections are expected. Voter turn-out will not be good. Annnnd, news media will do whatever it needs to do to slander, libel and otherwise destroy anyone standing in the way of its agenda. I no longer have a voice in this country. USN 1970-74 Screw ’em all.
We definitely need him and a bunch more like him. Hope there are some more out there
We must begin the saving of our country in 2022 by being very conscientious of how we vote. That is if we can manage to get a non-fraudulent election!!!
Great article
Hope for an honest election,,,,
Unbiased media,,,,
Turnout.
Yes, he’s a good man but what about Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton? Right now I see him as the best hope we have to run in 2024.
We really need more Republicans,NOT fake Republicans to get some backbone and face the anti AMERICA bunch head on and do what is necessary to return AMERICA to AMERICANS.If help is needed,ASK FOR IT.There are still a lot of Patriotic AMERICANS out here that are upset with the current bunch that have done so much to ruin our country and image.
Is ho not doing his job ?That is what he was sent to DC for and now we are astonished because he is doing it?Are we so used to opportunistic pukes that an honest man is a shocking surprise ? We are in deep trouble
Sounds lie we need him for our next president!!!
We voters need to research more.. Listen more and put real conservatives in place..McConnell and the RINOs need to go I just hope enough good people have the stamina to put up with the Washington the left and not believe their lies and media lies..conservativez .onmy a few have been defending us..McConnell and others turned a blind eye and caved.. There must be a reason…i can only guess…
such a shame to lose him- a true patriot, but I’m sure he is totally exhausted by all the insanity.
The author of this article better do some homework on Wisconsin’s 2020 debacle. Numbers are in and they don’t favor obiden
it is very difficult for me to imagine anyone will vote for a liberal in the next 2 elections/ where are the losers who vote for murkowski/thume/leahy/ /// such a pitiful congress and senate in the USA/ hope to live long enough to see this slime destoyed and good honest people take control and not these thieves…./// biden//harris//pelosi//schumer//
I voted for him when he first ran and he has not disappointed. He’s a successful businessman on his own and doesn’t need the Senate. But I hope he runs again!
If the upcoming elections are rigged like the last POTUS election there is no hope of getting this Nation out of its political, financial, and governmental fiasco now perpetrated by the Commie DemocRat Party. If the next elections show rigging results, the only next step is violent reactions by American citizens who simply don’t want to compromise their life and livelihood as puppets of a Communistic DemocRat Party.
joe biden DICTATOR & democrats in the party that stand with him SCARY. SURVEY finds that 35 to 40 % of people approval. & that is REALLY SCARY CAN IT BE BETTER TO SPLIT IN TWO & have two separate governments…. just sayin ?
I cringe when anyone says a representative, senator or even a president is indispensable. There are now about 335 million people in this country. Of those about 175 million are eligible to fill these seats. That makes it laughable that only one of these 175 million can do a great job! There is someone that can replace Johnson, or any of the others and do a great job!
Lisa Murkowski needs to be primaried and replaced by a conservative. She is a RINO and totally untrustworthy.
Whatever happened to never, never give up, or when the going gets tough the tough get going. We need Senator Johnson to stay the course. He’s both a great man, and Statesman. But, when your country needs you to win the war you don’t turn your back and walk away. You hold the banner high and march to the front of the line. I’m praying that Senator Johnson will do the right thing.
I wish Sen. Johnson well in his bid. My concern as always is to beware of the Mitch McConnell group and whether the GOP establishment will adequately support Johnson. McConnell seems to be supporting the democrats wanting to go far far left so that his group can pick up support from the center-left and center. McConnell’s group has not to my understanding ever actively supported GOP members who seemed conservative. Its best to try to keep McConnell out of the way if he won’t provide the GOP’s financial support. Its all about Power so don’t assume that McConnell will be on any conservative’s side.
Ron Johnson needs to stay at least another 4 years. We need him! I love the way he speaks and thinks. He is a Republican bulldog who does not back down. Pls stay Ron!
Amen.
I haven’t studied the man intensely as he is not one of my Senator’s, but every time I have heard him speak he seems to say the right things, ask the right questions and be cognizant of the issues.
Article was propagandist garbage.
Every one of these RINO traitors must go, along with all of the Marxist DemonRats.
After President Trump is reelected, again, in 2024, he needs a strong GOP congress behind him.
Sen. Johnson was a businessman not a politician, that alone makes him a preferable candidate, although I don’t live in WI, so am not familiar with his record but what I have seen has been good.
Many or most “politicians” are only in it for the money they can make thru fraud and deceit and the power trip they get while doing nothing but lie when talking.
Biden and his family are the best example of that. If you don’t understand that, you must be a dimorat.
I am very concerned about America’s future and you should be too.
The Republican Party is the only hope America has to have a future.
Senator Johnson is. great American, and a man of faith and values. Thank God for him, imagine working with the scummiest Marxist Democrats on earth.
Nov. 2022 we take back America !!!!
I disagree re comments on Alaska/Murkowski! 1. We now have rank choice voting 2. Lisa is a sleaze and plays dirty politics 3. Kelly Tshibaka is ahead in polls over LisaAlaska has turned more purple and that is scary!
I’m sorry, but no one is indispenseable, no one…..how can it be that the whole system and it’s capacity to move and act hinge on one repub. What about all the rest…what about the many who are yet to be catalysts for change. Forgive my ignorance, but I don’t believe much of what comes from polititians, and not much more from any media….making me a cynic. But that’s me…….While Sen. Johnson is a fine man, and perhaps a fine senator….but having been in office since 2010 leaves me wondering why so little has changed over time. How this nation is far worse off ……and not just because dems are so terrible ….but repubs are , in my mind’s eye, ineffective and weak.
Hoping Senator Ron Johnson will NOT step down. He has done an amazing job fighting for America! We need him! Thank you for your hard work! Please stay! I can’t imagine how hard it is right now with all the issues but people ARE waking up and I pray things will get back on track!
Amac can you facilitate a group letter of appreciation from conservatives to Senator Ron Johnson with encouragement to stay on the job? I’m sure Amac subscribers would jump on the chance to thank Senator Johnson.
Although I now live in Arizona, I was born in Green Bay and lived 3/4 of my life in the Badger state. I am very pleased by Senator Johnson’s willingness to defend conservative values and to speak plain and simple truth when he is interviewed. He truly represents the majority of genuine, rational Wisconsinites who don’t live in Milwaukee or Dane counties. Wisconsin and the rest of America needs Ron Johnson to be elected for another Senate term.
I read your magazine cover to cover and am so glad I found something that I feel is honest news. Hard to find these days. I am so sad that my grandchildren are facing all these lies from dems. The future to me is bleak. Keep up the good work!
Johnson is a “Midwesterner”. The land of hard work, kind people, and scrupulous ethics.
Dear Ron;
You have been our absolute best advocate in the Senate! You must stay and continue to fight for us! You’re not afraid to hold people’s feet to the fire. You’re one of the few who really gets it! You fight for “We the People”! Please stay with us! We need you now more than ever!
We need Ron Johnson. He is the best!!!!! Please, Ron, please save the Reps. We cannot afford losing any Rep now. Please, please, please, ……we love you
A true champion. But even a champion becomes exhausted by the continuing and relentless attacks of radical, communist devils.