I’ve already written about the allegations of vote buying and fraud that have been leveled against Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ron Johnson by former Republican candidate Terrence Wall, and while Johnson’s campaign and supporters have been quick to denounce the allegations as “sour grapes,” Jud Lounsbury from One Wisconsin Now thinks there’s a really logical explanation for Johnson’s sudden rise within the Republican U.S. Senate race:
In the span of only a few weeks, Ron Johnson went from a completely unknown plastic maker in Oshkosh to suddenly not only being embraced, but endorsed by this group of king makers.
Now, Ron Johnson’s campaign will have you believe that all of these king makers all become suddenly enamored, at the same time, because Ron Johnson blew them away with his fire-in-a-bottle persona. Give me a break.
We’re not talking about Paul Ryan here. In nearly every area of personal electability attributes, Ron Johnson is lacking. He’s at best, a mediocre public speaker, lacks charisma, has a fundamental lack of knowledge on key issues, and, in general, is far from a polished candidate that is able to communicate his vision. (In fact, he’s been such a bad candidate that he can’t even do well in a room full of conservatives and his campaign is clearly avoiding media interviews.)
There is nothing in Ron Johnson’s persona or background to justify the kind of over-the-top response he received from the king makers. (Yes, he is rich, but so were Leinenkugel and Wall.)
Something obviously happened below the surface that caused Ron Johnson’s sudden ascent. To believe that this is all happenstance is to ignore a mountain of circumstantial evidence to the contrary. And, more imporantly, there is no plausible explanation to explain away this circumstantial evidence.
What I’d like to hear from some of my conservatives readers is how, after little more than a week or two as an official candidate, Ron Johnson was able to garner the endorsement of the Republican Party of Wisconsin without a significant amount of behind the scenes maneuvering and shenanigans, especially given the fact that at the time of the RPW’s 2010 convention, Johnson had still not articulated his position on any issues other than saying he was in favor of “freedom.”
The fact is, Ron Johnson is the establishment candidate of the Republican Party of Wisconsin. Republican operatives like Mark Block helped create the perception of Ron Johnson as the “Tea Party” candidate, and a look at Ron Johnson’s campaign is a who’s who of Republican insiders here in Wisconsin.
Define insider please. You are insulting many people with this label. RoJo rose to the top as quickly as the TEA party took off! People were ready for someone that they thought could beat Feingold way before convention. Do not assume as you have been Zach, that since a couple groups that back Westlake is what the feeling is statewide. And groups is a loose term. Is that a total of 25 people? More or less?
TEA people are way may active and informed than your average citizen when it comes to politics, but please don’t call us insiders. Most of us are quite new to the political process, but we are energized. Ron’s capability to deliver a speech is a matter of opinion. He is stronger than Westlake!!! It’s not that we dislike Westlake either, but Johnson is a very likable guy. They are both business men and which of the two has created more jobs? Another important factor is that Westlake camp is starting to sound/act like Neumann. Making unfounded claims about Ron. Going negative. People see it as an attack on our own and DON’T LIKE IT.
Refer back to the Public Policy Poll again. Oh, I almost forgot. Naturally those of you back Feingold would hope and support Westlake winning the primary. You realize what we already do. Dave can’t beat Russ!
Please excuse my typos above. In need of coffee this AM. Too fast without the java juice and voila!!!
@Hah? – “a couple of groups” “Is that a total of 25 people?” “TEA party people are way more active…….please don’t call us insiders.” – there is a contradiction in your argument here. You seem to imply that the polls don’t mean anything b/c the TEA party groups are not large enough to represent the people across the state. But then, you imply that you are part of the TEA party, so therefore you are credible. You seem to discredit the whole TEA party organization with stating they are but 25 people but then jump on their backs to sound credible.
I agree with Zach that the ascent of Johnson was very abrupt.
I too am new to the political process. Because I was fairly uneducated in politics, I have gotten myself up to speed and have done my homework. What I am seeing in Johnson’s campaign is politics as usual and this is not what we need (D or R) in 2010. Especially when it comes to defeating Feingold. Feingold has always (in his own primary included) beat the millionaire.
The elite party’s endorsement is not and should not be the end all be all. We all need to just take a step back and look at the whole picture. Who do we want to represent us in Washington? We need to research the candidates (and we won’t accomplish this by solely listening to talk radio) and conclude for ourselves who we will be able to count on. WIth or without Wall’s allegations, the party endorsement was but only a few hundred votes. The 1000+ people who were at convention were not all there for the endorsement on Sunday. About 400 people were there (the endorsement was supposed to take place on Sat. and may delegates had to get back to their homes which were hours away). To put this in to perspective, there are over 6 million people in WI. We cannot rely on the opinions of a few hundred people to represent everyone.
To avoid going negative I will comment further on only Westlake’s qualifications. He graduated from WestPoint (environmental science engineering), and received his MBA the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago. He has a world renown economist, Luigi Zingales, on his campaign. He is rooted in the constitution, and is unwavering in his principles. He is a business owner and family man.
He has been resonating with the people across the state – republicans, democrats, independents. He does not have millions to his name which makes him relate to a much broader range of people. Which, should also make us take comfort in the fact that Westlake will go to Washington of the people, by the people, for the people. He will not let paybacks get in the way of ANY decision he makes.
Please don’t spread misinformation about Westlake’s campaign. He has not stated any allegations against Johnson – this was Terrence Wall who did this. I’ve heard Westlake interviewed about this very topic and he has taken the high road. To those who have stated Westlake is the better candidate through outlining Westlake’s qualifications and Johnson’s weaknesses should not be viewed as “an attack on our own.” We need the best candidate to come out of this primary.
I’m not naive enough to think that Westlake won’t be pounded pretty hard on this very site, but I needed to clear the air about him. We can’t go around saying things that just aren’t true.
You totally misunderstood what I am saying. Zach is quoting a couple of press releases done by Madison 912 and Northwoods on a straw poll they did. Probably a total of 25 people voted in those 2 polls taken by their core groups. It does not give a clear picture of what ALL the other groups and people feel around the state. I did not say that there are 25 people total in the state. On the contrary to discrediting the entire TEA party, it needs to be VERY clear that a couple of polls do not speak to the entire movement, no matter what the people that released them intended. Westlake IS starting to sound negative towards Johnson. I did not say that he is accusing as Wall is. Dave’s camp needs to keep it in check, less he end up like Neumann.
Do not rule out Ron Johnson. He is well-liked by a cross section of WI, including TEA party activists. That is the reality here…
@Huh – O.k. got what you are saying about the Madison 912 and Northwoods – but really, 25 people? I won’t speculate as to the actual # but this does seem quite low. Just wait for the other straw polls across the state to come out, I think you will be surprised. I’m not certain that too many TEA party activists would agree that Johnson is “well-liked” by them given the recent vetting interview video that was released. Regardless, I’m not saying that Johnson isn’t a nice guy – I’ve never personally met him. I haven’t heard Dave go negative on Johnson – just have heard him say that Johnson isn’t versed in the constitution like he is. Johnson did admit that he “wasn’t a constitutional scholar” so I don’t see how this is negative but maybe this isn’t what you are talking about. Going Neumann and pointing out differences in credentials are 2 different things. I don’t think you will see Johnson going negative on Westlake – there isn’t anything negative to speak of.
There are a whole host of people I know in the TEA party that don’t give much credence to the Rock River Patriots vetting session. Sorry, RRP, but they picked Rob Taylor over Westlake a few months ago. What does that tell you? Rob Taylor has a snowballs chance! RRP are too ideological for some people. I have no desire to watch their session whatsoever.
Dave has a lot of following in many small towns. That is not going to win the election for him. Did you see the Public Policy Polling numbers? What are they, Dave 11% and RoJo 49%. Not enough people know who Dave is. I have met Ron Johnson more than once. He is no less of a Patriot that me or Dave for that matter. Ron loves his country dearly and is just as new to politics as Westlake. Ron has run a much bigger business then Dave and Dave is appearing to have thinner skin as of late. Neither one are policy whonks yet but they are both legit candidates. Some of us get infuriated when we hear Ron is politics as usual. Just not true!!!
“I have no desire to watch their session whatsoever.” It’s unfortunate that you carry such a strong opinion of Johnson without watching this simple interview. It is quite telling of Johnson’s lack of knowledge. I honestly don’t get the desire for Johnson – whatever. May the best man win.
“Dave is appearing to have thinner skin as of late.” Really? I haven’t seen or heard this.
“Dave 11% and RoJo 49%”. – Don’t get too excited over this. Feingold’s numbers were in the single digits in his first campaign. It’s only the beginning of July. If Westlake can get the media coverage he needs, I really think these numbers will change. Fair enough, if he can’t get the coverage – I don’t live in a hole, he’ll have a difficult time getting the recognition he needs. Regardless, I’ve researched this enough to know that Westlake is the better candidate.
“Just as new to politics as Westlake” – Westlake went to WestPoint and worked on several campaigns prior to this race. It is fair to say that Westlake is more versed in the constitution and in what our Founding Fathers had intended for this country.
“Some of us get infuriated when we hear Ron is politics as usual” – are you referring to Johnson’s camp? Because what is it about Ron that is not politics as usual?
I’m sorry I should have indicated that I have had the opportunity to speak with Johnson one on one three times now. I directly asked him what I wanted to know to make my decision. Not only is he as genuine and likable as Westlake, his answers satisfied me just fine.
I nowhere align myself with the RRP, especially after they picked Taylor over Westlake in a prior debate. I consider them to be the “purists” you described at one point, therefore place no credence in their ability to properly vet.
To Huh?
I keep hearing over and over again how people see making (unfounded?) claims or going negative as a attack and they don’t like it. In that case, Feingold should be a shoe-in. I mean, he supports terrorists because he voted against the Patriot Act. Or, Johnson must be doing something right – look at who’s attacking him and how they’re spinning. In that case, Barack Obama should win his second term by a landslide. Oh, or we like this candidate because he created more jobs in the private sector. On every GOP’s Website they all play the same tune – Goverment doesn’t create jobs – but elect me to a government job and I’ll show them how to do it. Please.
Unfortunately, Ron Johnson like Paul Ryan, has a chance because they are the GOP’s establishment candidates. They both belong in the private sector where they can serve the country better with their special job creating talents.
I’ve answered this before and should just link back to my earlier posts on this. It’s really very simple – I cannot understand why it’s so perplexing Zach. To have a chance against Feingold, a candidate needs to either have or raise a ton of money. The only guys who can raise enough money are those that have been in politics for a long time & have connections – ala Tommy. But long-serving politicians don’t like to lose and are unwilling to take a gamble against a sitting Senator unless he’s unusually vulnerable.
Westlake doesn’t have the money and can’t raise enough to pose a serious threat. It’s the truth – and you know this, which is at least partially why you support the guy as much as you do.
Terrence Wall had the money, but the thing with his taxes thing made him unelectable – especially against a shrewd, experienced opponent like Feingold.
Leinenkugel simply was not trusted because of his ties to Doyle (aka the most hated politician in the state I can remember). He refused to do anything to distance himself from Doyle’s policies.
The options at the convention were: two guys completely unelectable, a third they didn’t know they could trust to actually even be a Republican or the guy who has the money & at least quacks like a duck. The Democrats, in a similar situation, would have done the same thing. In fact, it’s remarkably similar to the race for the 8th District a few years back, substitute Kagan for Johnson.
My response is similar to Locke’s . I like and wanted to get on board with Dave Westlake from the get-go. I met him and T. Wall, on several occasions. But I continued to hold out for Thompson or Neumann to decide to jump in before I gave any $$ to anyone.
Before Thompson decided; Westlake turned to his T-shirt fund raising strategy. I immediately turned my eyes towards Wall at that point. Yet still hoping either Tommy or Mark would get into the race. I still believe Neumann would’ve switched if Thompson hadn’t dragged his heels for so many months. I immediately went after Dick Leinie as not a Conservative, and shared my thoughts with whomever would listen. I heard about Johnson about a month before Thompson’s final decision…But could gather only rumors. I heard Vicki, Sykes, and even Jay Weber discuss this “mystery guy”. I was aware who he was…And so once he was officially “In”, I told all my friends I was supporting him. Many of them were delegates to the convention, TEA Party folks, etc., and nearly all agreed with my analysis that only Johnson cold win and bring our message forward. Most of those folks were Westlake supporters beforehand. Big supporters of Westlake and his message…but alas they went for Johnson when the time came to vote.
I think Wall was figuring he would get the Leinie voters, and the Westlake voters..and didn’t realize he came across as whiny..and a “Madison Republican”. Westlake was out in the first round..and Wall took third place after Johnson in the second round.. after Undecided. If Terry Wall wanted to win after campaigning for a year..he needs to blame “Undecided’!
Now Wall is hiding behind his phoney story..because he’s a “journalist”! Wasn’t that Dan Rather’s technique, to cover up his lie?
Lets see Rojo is for much more than just freedom, he believes strongly that minority kids just arent as smart as white kids and that anyone who abuses a child should not have to answer for it. He also believes that dick morris is a credible political voice and he doesnt have to do any work, as long as he has money, Thats a winning platform id say….
That’s some mighty nice slander there. Care to support any of your accusations or is this just a drive-by?
Sure, although I would of thought anyone who followed politics or who supported rojo would already know this. Since he wont come out with any other policies or positions, I am assuming if someone said they supported him they would of done the research.
1. http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/97031374.html
Murray is a polarizing figure for many and a risky figure to whom any politician might link his fortunes. According to news reports, Johnson played a major role in inviting Murray to give a speech in Oshkosh earlier this year. According to the Oshkosh Northwestern newspaper, Johnson helped book Murray as keynote speaker for the Partners in Education Council meeting in March.
2. http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/95740094.html
Prodded by a Catholic official, the Oshkosh businessman earlier this year jumped into the controversy over legislation aimed at making it easier for victims of childhood sexual abuse to sue their abusers.
Johnson, a Lutheran, sided with Catholic Church leaders in opposing the so-called Child Victims Act before a state Senate committee in January. The bill failed to win approval.
3. http://mediamatters.org/blog/201005180028
During a press conference announcing his candidacy, Johnson explained: “I was sitting at home watching Fox News and Dick Morris came on and said ‘Hey, you know, Feingold is vulnerable. You know, if you’re a rich guy from Wisconsin, step up to the plate.’ I kind of looked at (my wife) Jane and said ‘is he, like, talking to me?'”
4. http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/96528854.html
“Johnson is probably a sincere guy and I think on a gut level he’s conservative, but he hasn’t taken the time yet to develop his positions,” said Ken Van Doren, an official with Campaign for Liberty.
There, that took me all of 5 minutes. Brilliant candidate….
Simpson give it a rest on the Johnson story regarding the child victims. He is NOT against protecting kids and their rights. Sheesh. I have links that say otherwise but quite frankly am way to tired to bother with it right now. I will be back.
You are quoting Ken Van Doren??? No thanks, but NO thanks!
Also Simpson. Several people around the country and the world, have hired Dick M orris as their number one strategist in elections, and advisory. Counsel here’s a few that come to my mind. Trent Lott, Attorney Genl. Bill Clinton, Gov. Bill Clinton, President Bill Clinton on 2 or perhaps 3 different times. Dick Morris saved Clinton’s arse from his Hillary health care debacle. Prime Minister Tony Blair. The President’s of Mexico and Brazil..and I believe Argentina’s major candidate’s for President a few years back.
So Yes Dick Morris is not perfect. but he knows what he’s talking about and he and his wife understand the swing and moods of the populus..despite his foibles in the past. Now let’s take what Morris said..that Johnson was referring to a few months ago….As of this week Johnson is neck and neck with Feingold. and is miles ahead of Westlake..and every other major candidate is out of the way..and the Conservatives have the energy nationwide and the momentum. So Maybe he’s nuts..but it sure looks TODAY like he was correct. It’s sitll4 months to the finish line. But incumbent Senators with polls under 50% at this time in election cycles, usually lose.
And the foolish idea that Johnson doesn’t care about sexually abused kids is just a waste of your typing skills….No one actually thinks that’s the thing that moves this election. u can chat it up with your lefty friends echo chamber..but it won’t float for the majority of voters..
dick morris hasn’t been relevant for years, not since he was busted sucking prostitutes toes. He is also bitter and now blames bill clinton for everything from the Titanic crashing to the oil leak.
http://mediamatters.org/blog/201006090036
Maybe he is right though, maybe a rich white guy who has no record whatsoever and is in no hurray to actually talk any kind of policy will win. We all know that the repubs will vote for anyone or anything with an R behind their name(sarah palin proved that). The question is do we want such a shallow candidate representing the great state of WI.
Eventually he will have to actually talk policy and face Feingold in a debate. If Johnson couldnt talk policy with a far right extreme group of tea baggers, he will get destroyed in a debate with Feingold. The people of Wisconsin will see that.
As for the sexually abused kids, it is the only time in his life that he stepped up and took a stand. It didnt affect him as he isnt Catholic, he just wanted to make sure the guilty couldnt get sued. Not the side of the debate that will play very well when its brought to the people of WI either.
Since we dont have any conservatives running or elected, I am not sure where you get that they are polling strong? Please don’t confuse republicans with conservatives…
Thanks Jeff, I won’t confuse them. Having been both now for 30 years now, and knowing most of the activist’s are both as well, especially this year.
You once again went back to Morris getting busted with the prostitute. Morris was fired by Clinton then, and then brought back into the White House as an adviser afterwards secretly. As for his irrelevance today? I think it is safe to say he is the number one or 2 most often used “Fox New’s Contributor’s”, on assorted shows from Hannity, to Greta, to O’Reilly. He is always featured prominently on those programs because he draws viewers. Since Fox News has more viewers than CNN, MSNBC, and CNBC combined as has been top rated for 11 or 12 years, it’s unfair to say he’s not “relevant”. Rupert Murdoch wouldn’t pay him a huge salary to be a guest if he wasn’t worth the money. Now I’m sure you will have all sorts anti Fox comments, but viewership numbers, and success don’t lie.
Now let’s look at another point…you referred to the Cons./ Repub. label, More people in every poll taken over the past 10 years have “self-identified” as Conservative than Liberal or Moderate. The number of folks who use “Cons.” are higher but usually include self-identified Republicans. Furthermore whether you like or loathe Fox News.. It has done the best job of building the brand “Conservative” as a recognizable identity. It has done so by the only network to use news and opinion debate to inform it’s viewers, since it’s very first show.
I didn’t call myself a “Conservative” in 1980..but I now know I was one even then. Taking it further the “TEA Party” brand which the left has attempted to demonize, mock or change to “TeaBaggers”, has grown in self-ID over the past year dramatically. It’s really only been a term since shortly after March 2009 when it began ironically on CNBC morning show, with Rick Santelli.
So for all the CNBC, MSNBC, CNN “the View” slander, in the printed press and Nancy Pelosi et al who have tried to poison the brand as fringy Kooks, and astro-turfer’s. The numbers of self identified TEA party folks are growing in ranks close to the Conservative numbers, but with additional crossover of moderates and independents.
You can look the other way with fingers in your ears. but we are here. the name may change but we have seen what happens when we allow Govt. to get out of control, and were the Grown-ups, who have to fix the mess once again. Every few years you need a Jimmy Carter to come along and show the American people what an incompetent leader looks like…Welcome back Carter! Were ready for another Reagan.
Bravo Urban Pioneer!!!
Interesting observations Urban so let me address a couple.
1. Dick Morriss blames everything that ever happens on the clintons. That is what gets him air time on Fox News. Throwing red meat to the knuckledraggers. That is why numerous polls have come out stating how fox news viewers are the least informed of all. There is a reason that the vast majority of Fox viewers thought saddam was behind 911. ALso if you want to equate viewers with credibility, then Katie Couric is one of the most credible people in the country.
2. I agree with you that fox news has built the “brand” conservative. Their main objective has been to be a mouthpiece and sounding board for the republican party and they have done an outstanding job. There is no denying that.
3. The tea party: Its funny that you mention Rick Santelli, because he was Freedomworks and Kock Industries mouthpiece in planning the tea party. (I wont even get into the fact that this “movement” has nothing to do with the original tea party). The origins of the current tea party(and they called themselves teabaggers until they realized what the term meant) were a well funded machine using Fox news to promote the richard koch agenda. In case you didnt know that when santelli went on his “tea party” rant that started it all, there were websites up within the hour.
But enough about the astro turf origins. I do think it has grown so that there is a semblance of grass roots there. The question I have is where were they the last 8 years. Vociferously supporting the bush/cheney administration that increased the national debt three times, started two wars “off the books” spent billions in a giveaway to big pharma in Medicare Part D and for the first time in history cut taxes for the rich in war time(which was not deficit neutral), and now they are pissed off?
One last example ( i will overlook the keep your hands off my medicare) and point out that at the last Madison, WI “tea” party Tommy Thompson was the Featured speaker. Tommy Thompson has become a multi millionaire and has not made a single dollar that wasnt off the government. Add to that he read a speech written by convicted felon Scooter Jensen and its hard to take the tea partiers seriously.
As for the we need another reagan, thanks for that you gave me a great idea for another blog!