Senator Ron Johnson visits Kewaunee County

LUXEMBURG – Senator Ron Johnson was in Kewaunee County on May 4 to speak at the annual Lincoln/Reagan dinner sponsored by the Kewaunee County Republican Party (KCRP). The event was held in Luxemburg at the Northbrook Golf and Grill.  The day before, dozens of members of the Democratic Party of Kewaunee County (DPKC) gathered in downtown Kewaunee to protest Senator Johnson's presence in the county and decisions made by the current Republican administration.

During his hour-long visit to Kewaunee County, Senator Johnson dedicated the majority of his time to a discussion centered on the nation’s $37 trillion debt. He said he believes a critical imperative exists for the United States to undertake significant reductions in federal spending, coupled with a corresponding decrease in both the overall size and the broad scope of the federal government.

Drawing upon the philosophy of former President Ronald Reagan, Senator Johnson underscored the importance of unity within the Republican Party. He referenced Reagan’s “80/20 principle,” asserting that individuals who agree with the party’s platform 80% of the time should be considered allies, rather than focusing on the 20% where disagreements may exist. He suggested that embracing this principle could strengthen the party’s ability to advance its agenda.

Similarly, while DPKC protestors’ opinions varied on specific policy issues and the best course of action, a significant number of participants shared a fundamental desire to see Senator Johnson act in accordance with the principles outlined in the Constitution of the United States, which they feel has been discarded. Some protesters emphasized particular constitutional amendments, such as those related to freedom of speech or due process, while others focused on the broader framework of checks and balances and the separation of powers.

State Senator Andre Jacque and State Representative Joel Kitchens also spoke at the event, where both expressed their frustration regarding Governor Tony Evers vetoing recent conservative bills. The Wisconsin Supreme Court recently upheld Governor Ever’s 2023 partial budget veto, which extended a temporary school funding increase by 400 years. Justice Brian Hagedorn of the conservative minority expressed his disappointment with the Supreme Court’s choice, one Senator Johnson said could have been avoided in the April election if more November Trump voters had participated.