Ron Johnson Wins Easily in Wisconsin, Will Take on Sen. Russ Feingold

Ron Johnson's first foray into politics has been a breeze so far, with the Oshkosh plastics manufacturer easily winning Wisconsin's Republican Senate primary Tuesday and the right to face Democratic Sen. Russ Feingold in November.

Johnson, who had no problem securing the GOP endorsement last spring, crushed his lesser-known and underfunded rival, Dave Westlake, 84 to 12 percent, The Associated Press reported. Westlake, a Watertown businessman, ran as a strict conservative and had received backing from the Tea Party, but couldn't gain traction against the state Republican machine.

"This is a fight for our economic future and our fundamental freedom, and it is a fight we must absolutely win," Johnson told supporters after his win.

Feingold, a three-term incumbent, ran unopposed in the primary. A fourth term had at one time been considered a formality, especially after former Gov. Tommy Thompson decided not to enter the race. But he's likely to face a tough fight from Johnson, who has been statistically tied with the senator in a number of Rasmussen Reports polls over the past few months.

During the primary, Johnson mostly ignored Westlake and campaigned against Feingold, buying a number of TV ads attacking the senator's record.

In a post-victory interview with Milwaukee's Journal Sentinel, Johnson said he was looking forward to debating Feingold "in comparing my record to his." The two campaigns were expected to talk Wednesday to begin scheduling debates.

Johnson told the newspaper that, if elected, he would be a "citizen legislator. Somebody who has a lifetime of experience operating in the private sector." Johnson, who largely self-financed his campaign, ran on the platform of smaller government and has vowed to repeal health care reform.

In a statement, Feingold congratulated Johnson on his win and said he looked forward to an "honest debate of the issues with him." The senator said his campaign would focus on the economy, particularly creating jobs.

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In Wisconsin's gubernatorial race, both major parties held primary contests for the seat being vacated by two-term Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett easily beat Oconomowoc businessman Tim John, securing the Democratic nomination by 90 to 10 percent, according to the Associated Press.

On the Republican side, Milwaukee County executive Scott Walker, who campaigned hard on job creation and had GOP backing, defeated former congressman Jeff Neumann. Walker, 42, led most of the way, despite Neumann spending $4 million of his own money on the race.


"Because of this primary we are tested and we are ready to take on the liberals in Madison," Walker told cheering supporters after his win.

Walker has been outraised nearly two-to-one by Barrett and the Republican's first order of business will be to increase financing, in order to afford ads linking his opponent to the Washington establishment.

For his part, Barrett said his message in the general election will be the same as in the primary.

"My focus will remain, as it has from Day One, on doing everything I can to create, retain and attract jobs in the state of Wisconsin, and at the same time putting state government on a diet," Barrett told the Journal Sentinel.

Their victories guarantee Wisconsin will elect a governor from Milwaukee County for the first time in seven decades, according to the newspaper.