Ron Johnson (Wisconsin)
Encyclopedia
Ronald Harold "Ron" Johnson (born April 8, 1955) is the junior United States Senator
for Wisconsin
, and a member of the Republican Party
, and is associated with the Tea party movement
.
Prior to his election to the Senate, he was chief executive officer of PACUR, LLC, a polyester and plastics manufacturer.
. After graduating from the University of Minnesota
, he married Jane, the daughter of the businessman Howard Curler, co-founder of Curwod Industries, now part of the multinational Bemis Company
. Her brother, Jeff Curler, is Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board of Bemis.
Johnson worked as an accountant for Jostens
, a high school- and college class ring
supplier, as well a sports-championship ring supplier, including for the Super Bowl
, while attending night school for an MBA. He completed his classes, but did not receive his degree because he did not finish his thesis.
, Johnson, running a largely self-financed campaign, defeated Watertown
businessman Dave Westlake, taking 85% of the vote, with 10% going to Westlake and the remaining 5% going to Stephen Finn. In the November 2, 2010, general election
, he defeated Democratic incumbent Russ Feingold
.
As of November 1, 2010, Johnson had contributed more than $8.2 million to his own campaign, representing 64% of total campaign contributions. In June 2011, Johnson's financial disclosures showed Pacur, where he was CEO for 13 years until elected to the Senate, had paid him $10 million in deferred compensation in early 2011. The compensation covered the period from 1997-2011, during which he took no salary from PACUR. Johnson said that he, as CEO, had personally determined the dollar amount, which was "totally unrelated" to the almost $9 million that he had given to his campaign. Johnson has said that he and PACUR "fully disclosed" and "complied with the spirit and the letter of the law."
After being elected to the Senate, Johnson "sold every liquid asset so there would be absolutely no chance for conflict of interest." Johnson was not required to sell these holdings.
Johnson introduced S. 1438, the Regulation Moratorium and Job Preservation Act. The bill would impose a moratorium on significant new federal regulations until the national unemployment level falls to 7.7 percent – just below where it was when President Obama took office. Johnson cites the EPA ‘Boiler MACT’ rule as one example of a new regulation which would be blocked – preventing the loss of 338,000 jobs.
Debt ceiling
Months before Congress voted on whether to increase the US debt ceiling
, Johnson stated that the debate presented an opportunity to establish hard caps on federal spending. He argued that Congress could not keep raising the debt limit, and needed to prioritize spending. He urged the Obama administration to calm the markets – rather than scare them – as a debt ceiling vote approached. Johnson called for open negotiations over the debt ceiling, saying that the closed-door talks were ‘outrageous’ and ‘disgusting.’ He further noted that default should not have been a concern, given that the government had plenty of funding to pay interest on debt, Social Security benefits, and salary for soldiers.
Child Victims Act
Johnson opposed a Wisconsin bill that would have eliminated the time limit
for future child, sex abuse victims to bring lawsuits and allowed an additional three years for past victims to sue. Johnson testified before the Wisconsin Senate, in January 2010. He said that "punishment for the actual perpetrators should be severe," but he questioned whether it would be just for employers of perpetrators to be severely financially damaged or destroyed by such lawsuits. He added that the bill, if enacted, might actually reduce the reporting of child sex abuse. At the time of his testimony, Johnson was on the Finance Council of the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay. In June 2010 he told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Actually, had I not been put on the clock (in the state Senate), I would have made another statement," and, "I can't think of a penalty that would be too harsh for these guys."
In late September 2010, Johnson indicated that the legislation would have financially crippled organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs. Though he said the punishment for child sex abuse should be, "severe and swift." He also sought to correct false reports about his testimony, saying “I sought to warn legislators of those consequences in order to correct legislative language so that any bills that passed would punish the perpetrators and those that protect them, not honorable organizations that do so much good for our communities. We must rid our society of people who prey on children.” He was nonetheless criticized by victims' rights groups such as the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
, and by his opponent, Feingold.
Recovery Act
Ron Johnson has strongly opposed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as a candidate. He launched his campaign by telling the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that, "We would have been far better off not spending any of the money and let the recovery happen as it was going to happen." The newspaper later reported that the education council Johnson led considered applying for stimulus money in 2009, but ultimately elected not to do so. The Johnson campaign stated that non-profits consider "many possibilities," but that the council "made no application."
Fiscal issues
Johnson has opposed increased government spending and the federal stimulus. He has supported broad reduction in federal tax rates, simplifying regulations on business and free-market health care solutions.
When asked if Johnson would get rid of home mortgage interest deductions (claiming mortgage interest as a tax-deductible expense), he said he "wouldn’t rule it out" as part of an effort to lower taxes and simplify the tax code.
Global warming
Johnson has called scientists who attribute global warming
to man-made causes "crazy" and has said the theory is "lunacy." He has said the source of the climate change is "sunspot activity or just something in the geologic eons of time." Johnson believes that Cap and Trade legislation Cap and Trade legislation “could cost an average Wisconsin family as much as $1,600 per year and would put Wisconsin businesses at a huge competitive disadvantage, damaging our economy for many years.” Johnson is a cosponsor of the Energy Tax Prevention Act, to block the EPA from imposing new rules on carbon emissions.
Health care
Johnson is opposed to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
. In an op-ed article written for the Wall Street Journal, Johnson spoke of his personal experience with his daughter, who was born with a congenital heart defect and suggested that the life-saving treatment she received was only possible because of the United States' free-market health care system. Johnson says the PPACA “will lead to rationed care, lower the quality of care, increase medical costs and severely limit medical innovation… this law will add trillions of dollars to our nation’s debt and deficit…” He is a cosponsor of legislation to suspend implementation of Obamacare while legal challenges to the bill are decided.
Offshore drilling
When asked about allowing offshore drilling
for oil in the Great Lakes
, Johnson responded, "We have to get the oil where it is, but we need to do it responsibly. We need to utilize American ingenuity and American technology to make sure we do it environmentally sensitively and safely." After facing criticism from the Feingold campaign, Johnson said that his answer did not mean he supports drilling in the Great Lakes. Johnson argues that America’s dependence on imported oil creates “both security and economic threats to the nation” Johnson is a cosponsor of legislation to encourage job growth, reduce energy costs, and increase tax revenue by expanding domestic oil production.
During a debate, Johnson stated that he is "disappointed that the Obama administration is launching an assault on BP
" after the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Johnson disclosed that he once owned more than $100,000 worth of stock in BP, which has since been sold.
Social issues
Johnson is opposed to same-sex marriage
and the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell
". He is "definitely pro-life" and opposes abortion
but would allow it in cases of incest, rape, or when the mother's life is in danger. He opposes the funding of research that uses embryonic stem cell
s. Johnson has stated he disagrees with it morally and also has said that eliminating the funding of the research would help balance the federal budget.
Tea Party
Johnson appeared in Madison, Wisconsin
, at the Tea Party
rally for Tax Day
, April 15, 2010. He attracted the attention of the Tea Party movement when he gave two emotional speeches at Tea Party rallies. According to The New York Times, he said he "did kind of spring out of the Tea Party" and is glad to be associated with it.
United States Senate
The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
for Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
, and a member of the Republican Party
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
, and is associated with the Tea party movement
Tea Party movement
The Tea Party movement is an American populist political movement that is generally recognized as conservative and libertarian, and has sponsored protests and supported political candidates since 2009...
.
Prior to his election to the Senate, he was chief executive officer of PACUR, LLC, a polyester and plastics manufacturer.
Early life and education
Johnson was born in Mankato, MinnesotaMankato, Minnesota
Mankato is a city in Blue Earth, Nicollet, and Le Sueur counties in the U.S. state of Minnesota. The population was 39,309 at the 2010 census, making it the fourth largest city in Minnesota outside of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. The county seat of Blue Earth County, it is located...
. After graduating from the University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities is a public research university located in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, United States. It is the oldest and largest part of the University of Minnesota system and has the fourth-largest main campus student body in the United States, with 52,557...
, he married Jane, the daughter of the businessman Howard Curler, co-founder of Curwod Industries, now part of the multinational Bemis Company
Bemis Company
Bemis Company, Inc. is an American manufacturer of flexible packaging products and pressure-sensitive materials. Bemis divisions are located in 13 countries and its products are distributed worldwide. Bemis is part of the S&P 500 index.-History:Bemis Inc...
. Her brother, Jeff Curler, is Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board of Bemis.
Johnson worked as an accountant for Jostens
Jostens
Jostens is an American company providing yearbooks and class rings for various high schools and colleges as well as championship rings for sports, including the Super Bowl rings....
, a high school- and college class ring
Class ring
A class ring is a ring worn by students and alumni in the United States and Canada to commemorate their graduation, generally for a high school, college, or university.-History:...
supplier, as well a sports-championship ring supplier, including for the Super Bowl
Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is the championship game of the National Football League , the highest level of professional American football in the United States, culminating a season that begins in the late summer of the previous calendar year. The Super Bowl uses Roman numerals to identify each game, rather...
, while attending night school for an MBA. He completed his classes, but did not receive his degree because he did not finish his thesis.
Business career
In 1979, Johnson moved to Wisconsin with his wife, and both started working for PACUR, a custom sheet extruder company, with his wife's brother, Patrick Curler, for whom the company is named. PACUR had been created, (a few months before Johnson arrived in Wisconsin), with the strong financial backing of Patrick and Jane's father, Harold Curler. For the first several years, PACUR got 100% of their business as a "captive supplier" to one of Harold Curler's Bemis subsidiaries, which is located across the street from PACUR. For nearly one year, Johnson worked as the accountant and as a machine operator, trading 12-hour shifts with his brother-in-law. The company later expanded into the area of medical device packaging which involved hiring salespeople and exporting products to other countries. Johnson managed the sales as well as the financial aspects of the business, and ultimately purchased the company outright in 1995.2010 election
The 2010 U.S. Senate campaign was Johnson's first run for elective office. He was described as a "political blank slate" because he had no history of campaigning or taking a position as an elected official. In the September 14, 2010, Republican primaryPrimary election
A primary election is an election in which party members or voters select candidates for a subsequent election. Primary elections are one means by which a political party nominates candidates for the next general election....
, Johnson, running a largely self-financed campaign, defeated Watertown
Watertown, Wisconsin
Watertown is a city in Dodge and Jefferson counties in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Most of the city's population is in Jefferson County. Division Street, several blocks north of downtown, marks the county line. The population of Watertown was 21,598 at the 2000 census...
businessman Dave Westlake, taking 85% of the vote, with 10% going to Westlake and the remaining 5% going to Stephen Finn. In the November 2, 2010, general election
General election
In a parliamentary political system, a general election is an election in which all or most members of a given political body are chosen. The term is usually used to refer to elections held for a nation's primary legislative body, as distinguished from by-elections and local elections.The term...
, he defeated Democratic incumbent Russ Feingold
Russ Feingold
Russell Dana "Russ" Feingold is an American politician from the U.S. state of Wisconsin. He served as a Democratic party member of the U.S. Senate from 1993 to 2011. From 1983 to 1993, Feingold was a Wisconsin State Senator representing the 27th District.He is a recipient of the John F...
.
As of November 1, 2010, Johnson had contributed more than $8.2 million to his own campaign, representing 64% of total campaign contributions. In June 2011, Johnson's financial disclosures showed Pacur, where he was CEO for 13 years until elected to the Senate, had paid him $10 million in deferred compensation in early 2011. The compensation covered the period from 1997-2011, during which he took no salary from PACUR. Johnson said that he, as CEO, had personally determined the dollar amount, which was "totally unrelated" to the almost $9 million that he had given to his campaign. Johnson has said that he and PACUR "fully disclosed" and "complied with the spirit and the letter of the law."
After being elected to the Senate, Johnson "sold every liquid asset so there would be absolutely no chance for conflict of interest." Johnson was not required to sell these holdings.
Tenure
Regulatory reformJohnson introduced S. 1438, the Regulation Moratorium and Job Preservation Act. The bill would impose a moratorium on significant new federal regulations until the national unemployment level falls to 7.7 percent – just below where it was when President Obama took office. Johnson cites the EPA ‘Boiler MACT’ rule as one example of a new regulation which would be blocked – preventing the loss of 338,000 jobs.
Debt ceiling
Months before Congress voted on whether to increase the US debt ceiling
United States debt-ceiling crisis
The United States debt-ceiling crisis was a financial crisis in 2011 that started as a debate in the United States Congress about increasing the debt ceiling. The immediate crisis ended when a complex deal was reached that raised the debt ceiling and reduced future government spending...
, Johnson stated that the debate presented an opportunity to establish hard caps on federal spending. He argued that Congress could not keep raising the debt limit, and needed to prioritize spending. He urged the Obama administration to calm the markets – rather than scare them – as a debt ceiling vote approached. Johnson called for open negotiations over the debt ceiling, saying that the closed-door talks were ‘outrageous’ and ‘disgusting.’ He further noted that default should not have been a concern, given that the government had plenty of funding to pay interest on debt, Social Security benefits, and salary for soldiers.
Child Victims Act
Johnson opposed a Wisconsin bill that would have eliminated the time limit
Statute of limitations
A statute of limitations is an enactment in a common law legal system that sets the maximum time after an event that legal proceedings based on that event may be initiated...
for future child, sex abuse victims to bring lawsuits and allowed an additional three years for past victims to sue. Johnson testified before the Wisconsin Senate, in January 2010. He said that "punishment for the actual perpetrators should be severe," but he questioned whether it would be just for employers of perpetrators to be severely financially damaged or destroyed by such lawsuits. He added that the bill, if enacted, might actually reduce the reporting of child sex abuse. At the time of his testimony, Johnson was on the Finance Council of the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay. In June 2010 he told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Actually, had I not been put on the clock (in the state Senate), I would have made another statement," and, "I can't think of a penalty that would be too harsh for these guys."
In late September 2010, Johnson indicated that the legislation would have financially crippled organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs. Though he said the punishment for child sex abuse should be, "severe and swift." He also sought to correct false reports about his testimony, saying “I sought to warn legislators of those consequences in order to correct legislative language so that any bills that passed would punish the perpetrators and those that protect them, not honorable organizations that do so much good for our communities. We must rid our society of people who prey on children.” He was nonetheless criticized by victims' rights groups such as the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, known as SNAP, established in 1989, is the oldest and most active support group of survivors of clergy sexual abuse and their supporters in the United States...
, and by his opponent, Feingold.
Recovery Act
Ron Johnson has strongly opposed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as a candidate. He launched his campaign by telling the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that, "We would have been far better off not spending any of the money and let the recovery happen as it was going to happen." The newspaper later reported that the education council Johnson led considered applying for stimulus money in 2009, but ultimately elected not to do so. The Johnson campaign stated that non-profits consider "many possibilities," but that the council "made no application."
Fiscal issues
Johnson has opposed increased government spending and the federal stimulus. He has supported broad reduction in federal tax rates, simplifying regulations on business and free-market health care solutions.
When asked if Johnson would get rid of home mortgage interest deductions (claiming mortgage interest as a tax-deductible expense), he said he "wouldn’t rule it out" as part of an effort to lower taxes and simplify the tax code.
Global warming
Johnson has called scientists who attribute global warming
Global warming
Global warming refers to the rising average temperature of Earth's atmosphere and oceans and its projected continuation. In the last 100 years, Earth's average surface temperature increased by about with about two thirds of the increase occurring over just the last three decades...
to man-made causes "crazy" and has said the theory is "lunacy." He has said the source of the climate change is "sunspot activity or just something in the geologic eons of time." Johnson believes that Cap and Trade legislation Cap and Trade legislation “could cost an average Wisconsin family as much as $1,600 per year and would put Wisconsin businesses at a huge competitive disadvantage, damaging our economy for many years.” Johnson is a cosponsor of the Energy Tax Prevention Act, to block the EPA from imposing new rules on carbon emissions.
Health care
Johnson is opposed to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is a United States federal statute signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010. The law is the principal health care reform legislation of the 111th United States Congress...
. In an op-ed article written for the Wall Street Journal, Johnson spoke of his personal experience with his daughter, who was born with a congenital heart defect and suggested that the life-saving treatment she received was only possible because of the United States' free-market health care system. Johnson says the PPACA “will lead to rationed care, lower the quality of care, increase medical costs and severely limit medical innovation… this law will add trillions of dollars to our nation’s debt and deficit…” He is a cosponsor of legislation to suspend implementation of Obamacare while legal challenges to the bill are decided.
Offshore drilling
When asked about allowing offshore drilling
Offshore drilling
Offshore drilling refers to a mechanical process where a wellbore is drilled through the seabed. It is typically carried out in order to explore for and subsequently produce hydrocarbons which lie in rock formations beneath the seabed...
for oil in the Great Lakes
Great Lakes
The Great Lakes are a collection of freshwater lakes located in northeastern North America, on the Canada – United States border. Consisting of Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, they form the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth by total surface, coming in second by volume...
, Johnson responded, "We have to get the oil where it is, but we need to do it responsibly. We need to utilize American ingenuity and American technology to make sure we do it environmentally sensitively and safely." After facing criticism from the Feingold campaign, Johnson said that his answer did not mean he supports drilling in the Great Lakes. Johnson argues that America’s dependence on imported oil creates “both security and economic threats to the nation” Johnson is a cosponsor of legislation to encourage job growth, reduce energy costs, and increase tax revenue by expanding domestic oil production.
During a debate, Johnson stated that he is "disappointed that the Obama administration is launching an assault on BP
BP
BP p.l.c. is a global oil and gas company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the third-largest energy company and fourth-largest company in the world measured by revenues and one of the six oil and gas "supermajors"...
" after the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Johnson disclosed that he once owned more than $100,000 worth of stock in BP, which has since been sold.
Social issues
Johnson is opposed to same-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage in the United States
The federal government does not recognize same-sex marriage in the United States, but such marriages are recognized by some individual states. The lack of federal recognition was codified in 1996 by the Defense of Marriage Act, before Massachusetts became the first state to grant marriage licenses...
and the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell
Don't ask, don't tell
"Don't ask, don't tell" was the official United States policy on homosexuals serving in the military from December 21, 1993 to September 20, 2011. The policy prohibited military personnel from discriminating against or harassing closeted homosexual or bisexual service members or applicants, while...
". He is "definitely pro-life" and opposes abortion
Abortion
Abortion is defined as the termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a fetus or embryo prior to viability. An abortion can occur spontaneously, in which case it is usually called a miscarriage, or it can be purposely induced...
but would allow it in cases of incest, rape, or when the mother's life is in danger. He opposes the funding of research that uses embryonic stem cell
Stem cell
This article is about the cell type. For the medical therapy, see Stem Cell TreatmentsStem cells are biological cells found in all multicellular organisms, that can divide and differentiate into diverse specialized cell types and can self-renew to produce more stem cells...
s. Johnson has stated he disagrees with it morally and also has said that eliminating the funding of the research would help balance the federal budget.
Tea Party
Johnson appeared in Madison, Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
Madison is the capital of the U.S. state of Wisconsin and the county seat of Dane County. It is also home to the University of Wisconsin–Madison....
, at the Tea Party
Tea Party movement
The Tea Party movement is an American populist political movement that is generally recognized as conservative and libertarian, and has sponsored protests and supported political candidates since 2009...
rally for Tax Day
Tax Day
In the United States, Tax Day is a colloquial term for the day on which individual income tax returns are due to the federal government. The term may also refer to the same day for states, even where the tax return due date is a different day....
, April 15, 2010. He attracted the attention of the Tea Party movement when he gave two emotional speeches at Tea Party rallies. According to The New York Times, he said he "did kind of spring out of the Tea Party" and is glad to be associated with it.
Committee assignments
- Committee on AppropriationsUnited States Senate Committee on AppropriationsThe United States Senate Committee on Appropriations is a standing committee of the United States Senate. It has jurisdiction over all discretionary spending legislation in the Senate....
- Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
- Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
- Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies
- Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related ProgramsUnited States Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related ProgramsUnited States Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs is one of twelve subcommittees of the United States Senate Committee on Appropriations.-Jurisdiction:...
- Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies
- Committee on the BudgetUnited States Senate Committee on the BudgetThe United States Senate Committee on Budget was established by the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974. It is responsible for drafting Congress's annual budget plan and monitoring action on the budget for the Federal Government. The committee has jurisdiction over the...
- Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental AffairsUnited States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental AffairsThe United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs has jurisdiction over matters related to the Department of Homeland Security and other homeland security concerns, as well as the functioning of the government itself, including the National Archives, budget and...
- Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce and the District of Columbia (Ranking Member)
- Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information and International Security
- Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Disaster Recovery and Intergovernmental Affairs
- Special Committee on AgingUnited States Senate Special Committee on AgingThe United States Senate Special Committee on Aging was initially established in 1961 as a temporary committee; it became a permanent Senate committee in 1977...
Electoral history
Personal life
Johnson and his wife Jane have three children, all of whom are graduates of the University of Wisconsin.External links
- Senator Ron Johnson official U.S. Senate website
- Ron Johnson for Senate official campaign site
- 2010 House and Senate Campaign Finance for Wisconsin
- Curwood website
- Bemis website