Johnson speaks of 'primal scream of the left'
WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. (AP) - Republican Sen. Ron Johnson is speaking out against what he calls the "primal scream of the left."
Johnson wrapped up the Wisconsin Republican Party convention on Saturday by warning that Democrats are angry and looking ahead to the 2018 midterm elections. Republicans at the convention were celebrating their 2016 wins but also looking ahead to next year.
Johnson says Democrats are relentless. He says, "We must be every bit as tenacious and relentless defending our freedom."Johnson won re-election last year. He says he's sticking by his promise to not seek a third term. Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin is up for re-election next year. Several Republicans considering running against her were making the rounds at the convention.
Johnson calls possible Trump recording 'troubling'
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Wisconsin Republican Sen. Ron Johnson says it "would be troubling" if President Donald Trump recorded conversations with former FBI Director James Comey.
Trump tweeted Friday that Comey "better hope that there are no 'tapes' of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press."
Johnson told reporters Saturday he interpreted that to mean Comey may have been the one recording conversations. Johnson calls Trump's possible recording of conversations a "complete hypothetical" and wouldn't comment on if it should be investigated.
He also says it's "way too early" to say if there should be a special investigator to look into possible Russian interference in last year's election. Johnson calls those allegations serious, but he wants to wait for the report from the Senate Intelligence Committee.Johnson says he's looking forward to a new FBI director to complete its investigation also.
Johnson doesn't know when Senate will vote on health bill
WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. (AP) - Wisconsin Republican Sen. Ron Johnson says the Senate version of the health care bill will include protections for people with pre-existing conditions.Johnson spoke to reporters Saturday at the Wisconsin Republican Party convention.
Johnson says the Senate bill will make sure people with pre-existing conditions can get coverage without "skyrocketing premiums" and "collapsing insurance markets."
He says the Senate won't vote on a bill until there is a final cost estimate. The House passed its bill without a final cost estimate from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.Johnson says "I certainly want to take the time to get it right."House Speaker Paul Ryan, of Wisconsin, led the effort to pass the House bill repealing the Affordable Care Act passed under former President Barack Obama.