State GOP focuses on Johnson, Evers for ’22
More than 100 conservative voters and activists packed the ballroom at the Hampton Inn and Suites in West Allis on Saturday morning to hear from Republican politicians and conservative leaders as the party looks ahead to coming elections.
At one point, Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson was asked by a West Allis resident how to get conservatives to vote and run for office.
“Talk about what the Democrats are doing to this country,” Johnson said. “Are we (Republicans) perfect? No. Not even close.”
Johnson paused, then joked that he probably should not have said Republicans aren’t prefect.
“We may not be perfect, but they are awful, I mean awful,” Johnson said to applause. “I’ll use good words: We may be bad, but they are so much worse. I know that’s not the greatest selling point but when you take a look at what is at stake, I mean, freedom.”
Johnson then went on to say there is a “radical bunch that has taken control of the Democratic Party and, right now, the levels of government.”
The exchange was part of a Conservative Political Education Conference on Saturday, an event designed to whip up support as the party looks ahead to the 2022 midterms.
Johnson’s seat is up for election in 2022, along with Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, which is likely going to put a spotlight on Wisconsin. Democrats have already circled Johnson’s seat as a major race to win.
Johnson was asked the question he must hear daily: Is he running for reelection?
“I have not made my decision, that is true. I know what my wife wants me to do,” Johnson said, and the crowd laughed. “I am not making a decision for quite some time and I don’t have to.”
U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil told the crowd he thinks Johnson is going to run for reelection.
“I think he’s doing a great job on our behalf in Washington, D.C.,” Steil said. “But if it’s him or whomever, we need to hold that seat. We need to replace Gov. Evers with a conservative governor whose fighting on our behalf to help get our way of life back.”
Talk radio host Brian Schimming, former vice-chair of the Republican Party of Wisconsin, said the race for Johnson’s seat was critical to the party and the country.
“It’s not hyperbole to say that Ron Johnson’s seat may decide control of the U.S. Senate,” Schimming said, adding he is not anxious for Johnson to decide to run or not. “There’s enormous grassroots support for Ron to run again, enormous ... I would say that what he’s told me and others that it’s 50/50.”
Schimming was impressed with the crowd that showed up on Saturday.
Schimming acknowledged there may be some frustration within Republican ranks after the results of the 2020 election.
“There’s been some of that but I’ll tell you, though, there’s been a ton of energy,” Schimming said.