Republican U.S. Senator Ron Johnson, who represents Wisconsin, and who has been widely criticized for a range of controversial and/or dumb statements, has dropped hints that he may not run for re-election next year. It appears he may realize that his unpopularity could doom his campaign.
In a story today on Madison.com:
I seem to recall that he promised during his first campaign to only serve 2 terms. He could fall back on that and keep his promise and save face.
I wish he’d do it sooner than later so other potential Republican candidates could raise funds and create recognition.
A guy from Oshkosh, just upriver from Green Bay, references the coach of the Vikings?
It’s like he’s already given up on running again.
I am so sick and tired of these shitbag “victim” Republicans. When did being a crying, whiny asshole get popular? “The media.” Fuck off, and if you don’t run again Wisconsin and the country will benefit.
Also:
“I want to make sure that this U.S. Senate seat is retained in Republican hands.”
Not “I want to make sure the people of Wisconsin get excellent representation in Washington.” Not “I want to make sure the Senate carries on its critical role in governing the United States.” No, it’s the party that’s most important to him.
Very telling, though not surprising.
PredictIt bettors seem to think it will be Rep. Mike Gallagher if Johnson doesn’t run. I’m not sure why.
Who will win the 2022 Wisconsin Republican Senate nomination?
I owe you an apology. I somehow had the idea that blue language was not encouraged outside the Pit. I have since learned I am wrong about this. I’m sorry for the mod note and I’ll remove it.
Curse away. 
No need to apologize, I was a bit harsh, and it wasn’t a warning.
Thanks for being gracious and kind. Much appreciated!
I agree. Republicans have no interest in governing. What they want is to keep Democrats from governing. Apart from tax cuts for the rich and confirming right wing judges, there isn’t any legislation that Republicans are in favor of. Name one bill that Johnson wants to pass. I bet he can’t, either. Normally I’d be all for Johnson standing down, but I’ve learned not to underestimate Republicans’ ability to find someone worse.
They’ve made everything in this country – not just politics, but almost every aspect of society – an us-versus-them proposition, and forced us to play the same game just to survive.
Of course, then we’re the divisive ones.
I’m fairly confident that whoever wins the Republican primary is going to be a terrible person, since that seems to be the GOP primary voter’s kink nowadays.
Does it really matter who gets the GOP nod?
Yes. We need the most conservative candidate who can win the general election.
Nobody needs that.
That said, the person who will in the GOP primary is going to be whoever is the most willing to lick Trump’s anus. Like really get in there. GOP primary voters don’t care about anything else.
I like to form my own opinions if you don’t mind.
I’m a GOP primary voter, in Wisconsin, and I couldn’t possibly care less about what Trump wants or who he endorses.
This is the quote that really spoke to me. Johnson’s (and I’m sure other Republicans’) frustration is that he cannot simply dictate what he wants to do, like he can when he’s the boss of his company. Instead, governing requires the hard work of making deal, compromising, and seeking common-ground solutions. All that stuff just frustrates him. Poor guy.
Dumbass.
Of course, it’s your right to reward the morons who tried to steal the election and unnecessarily killed hundreds of thousands of Americans with continued power.
So what? Anecdote / data, yada yada.
It’s possible that the most conservative candidate that can win in the general is Mandela Barnes. The GOP should nominate him.
Right. You would never hear a retiring Democrat saying that the most important thing is to hold the seat for the Democrats. And certainly no-one on these Boards would ever say that the important thing is to hold a seat held by a retiring Democrat.
Actually, I would. The balance in DC is so precarious these days – and the consequences of GOP majorities so potentially dire – that I want every seat possible filled with a blue butt.
I guess that makes me as bad as any MAGAt – but I’m not a US senator.