Ron Johnson is probably the most dishonest member of the US Senate. Now it looks like he is inclined to keep his promise to leave after two terms, and retire in 2023 when his second term ends.
By Riley Vetterkind
U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, who has taken center stage this week in objecting to a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 bill, said he hasn't yet decided whether he'll run for his seat in 2022, although he said keeping to his pledge to not seek a third term is "probably my preference now."
Johnson is openly considering a third term despite Democratic challengers already lining up to challenge him and his pronouncement while running for a second term in 2016 that it would be his last.
"That pledge is on my mind, it was my preference then, I would say it’s probably my preference now," Johnson said during a Friday media call. "I’m happy to go home."
But he added a big caveat.
"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.
Even Republicans are getting irritated with Johnson’s antics.
Johnson’s delaying tactics won’t sink the bill, and some colleagues have been puzzled over what his endgame is.
“I’m less enthused by the point being made, because I’m not sure it really makes a point. It doesn’t punish anybody except members of the staff … and pretty much all 100 senators,” said Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D).
in 2016 Johnson won with a narrow 3 point margin.
If he does retire Johnson would join Ohio’s Rob Portman, Pennsylvania’s Pat Toomey, and North Carolina’s Richard Bur.