Todd County businessman and veteran Bill Johnson is clamoring to be considered a credible candidate in Kentucky's Republican U.S. Senate primary.
After the U of L College Republicans announced that, in the absence of a debate agreement with Trey Grayson, Rand Paul would be speaking solo at the University of Louisville on Wednesday January 27, Johnson let me know that he has offered to participate in the "debate," but his "offer was ignored."
The college Republicans tell me they "will continue to invite (Grayson) to various events... including our annual bipartisan 'Cards Decide Week' that we host with the College Democrats," but no word why Johnson is not invited.
"Rand is unwilling to debate a candidate of substance and experience," Johnson said.
And Johnson took swipes at both rivals in a statement after Grayson filed for office on Thursday:
“The race is shaping up to be a grassroots Reagan conservative versus two Goliaths. The Washington machine has chosen Grayson. Ron Paul’s libertarian movement has funded his son Rand. I will simply rely on the people of Kentucky for support."
Does Johnson have a shot?
In December, his campaign cited internal and independent polls showing Johnson at approximately 17% support.
"In southern counties Johnson has a three-to-one lead over Trey Grayson and a five-to-one lead over Rand Paul. 'Our strategy is to move into the eastern and northern counties of Kentucky during January. I am confident my energy experience, military background and business understanding will resonate with voters,' Johnson said. As the campaign strategy unfolds, Johnson believes he will be in the number two position by March. 'My campaign is based on taking my conservative message directly to Kentucky voters through grass roots efforts. The strategy is working,'"
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benjamin said on January 19, 2010 at 7:41 AM
With all due respect, internals are often used by lesser candidates to try and convince people that they have a chance. I remember a candidate back in 2006 who claimed a 15-point lead in a U.S. House race with "my internals", in a race that was considered a safe seat for the incumbent. That person ended up losing by 20 points. The points is, if all the independent polls show a candidate hovering in low single digit land, it's probably safe to assume that is where they really are and not where their eagerly-released internal push-polls show. Neither Grayson nor Paul is going to debate Johnson/Oerther/Martin in a one-on-one; that's just not something frontrunners ever do.
marieacole said on January 19, 2010 at 7:09 PM
Yes, Bill Johnson is a viable candidate. I spend a good bit of my day researching political candidates across America that I can personally support. I found Bill Johnson a few months ago, and I recognized that I had a winner here. He is conservative from the word GO! He recognizes the fact that government works for the people, not the other way round. I share his conservative values. For what it's worth, I live in Texas. I thank God that Ron Paul is NOT my Representative. His son is too much like him and would never receive my support even in my own state. The "if it feels good, do it" stance of the LIbertarian Party is NOT the way to respect personal freedoms - ask any child of the 60's who grew up and realized the fallacies of the hippie movement. "Drop out and free love" did not make for a truly happy life for any of them. And it isn't a good philosophy for 2010 America. Bill Johnson is going to be the best US Senator Kentucky has ever had! Mark my words.
benjamin said on January 19, 2010 at 7:55 PM
No, 2% is not viable.
gocatholic said on January 19, 2010 at 8:04 PM
Mr. Arnold, I appreciate your coverage yet again. Thank you. I continue to scratch my head that even in our current political climate, the only Reagan conservative candidate in the race, a former Navy officer and a lifelong Republican, isn't invited to a debate with a libertarian-leaning candidate in the race due to political nepotism and a former Democrat who supported Bill Clinton who is in the race because of croneyism. It's scandalous. The question is certainly not one of credibility. Johnson is the ONLY credible candidate, in my view - a stellar candidate who is not only in agreement with the GOP platform, but passionately so. I submit that it is precisely his credibility that is the reason for his being barred from participating in this debate. Johnson is climbing in the polls despite continuous efforts to shut him out. He gains support at every public event he is allowed to attend. Whomever is responsible for this is making an egregious error. Johnson will win the race
gocatholic said on January 19, 2010 at 8:11 PM
benjamin, Polls cost money better spent in other ways, particularly those done by major firm. Johnson's campaign isn't backed by a machine, so there isn't as much money to pay for polls. He has to do his own polling, and he does it in a professional manner so that he can know for his own peace of mind that he has a shot. Meanwhile, those who have the money to commission polls, don't do so responsibly. The PPP poll touted by the Rand Paul camp was done by a liberal firm and was problematic in many ways. I think Mr. Arnold pointed out some of those problems. Also, the Rasmussen poll was a general "favorability" poll and didn't even ask "whom will you vote for". Judging from the energy in his campaign and the excitement with which he is received at events, I would say that if his internal poll is in error at all, it is that he actually has more support than the poll indicates.
grassrootsmomma said on January 19, 2010 at 9:08 PM
Like hundreds of thousands of average citizens, I have become very active working to fight the socialist policies being shoved down our throats. Since last years election and subsequent break neck pace of the President’s agenda, I have kept an eye on local, state and national races for candidates that most closely represent conservatives. I have watched the Grayson and Paul political machines, classic BIG GOVERNMENT we have come to disdain. McConnell’s pick with big party funds, and Ron Paul’s influence and the “money bomb”. Both turn me off for the same reasons…these campaigns are “owned” by someone else. Bill Johnson is a TRUE conservative candidate with for the grassrooter’s heart, and not recognizing this only fuels the FIRE OF SUPPORT that we ‘average citizens” feel. Marginalizing this fine candidate speaks volumes about the other two campaigns. Point to high cost polls…but I see the ever widening base, and the grassroots energy will drive the vote. You’ll see.
kentuckyblessin said on January 19, 2010 at 9:41 PM
You ask the question of whether or not Bill Johnson is a viable candidate ? What makes a candidate viable would be a much better question to pose. He has met the constitutional requirements of what he needs to be a candidate and have his name placed on the ballot , this sir makes him viable. He is running his campaign based on volunteers who support him, not money or influence . Bill Johnson is viable on his own merit and you question if he is viable. Personally, I find the statement an insult not only to him but to the Republican Platform and personally as a conservative Republican. Polls mean NOTHING and only someone with little to no understanding of the entire process would take much stock in a poll paid for by a candidate especially one done by a liberal polling company . Grayson nor Paul represent the Republican party platform nor the average conservative citizen in Kentucky. Bill Johnson in my opinion is the only viable candidate in this senate race.
kentuckyblessin said on January 19, 2010 at 9:49 PM
You ask the question of whether or not Bill Johnson is a viable candidate ? What makes a candidate viable would be a much better question to pose. He has met the constitutional requirements of what he needs to be a candidate and have his name placed on the ballot , this sir makes him viable. He is running his campaign based on volunteers who support him, not money or influence . Bill Johnson is viable on his own merit and you question if he is viable. Personally, I find the statement an insult not only to him but to the Republican Platform and personally as a conservative Republican. Polls mean NOTHING and only someone with little to no understanding of the entire process would take much stock in a poll paid for by a candidate especially one done by a liberal polling company . Grayson nor Paul represent the Republican party platform nor the average conservative citizen in Kentucky. Bill Johnson in my opinion is the only viable candidate in this senate race.
grassrootsmomma said on January 20, 2010 at 1:07 AM
Yeah, Bill Johnson is DEFINATELY a viable candidate, and that's what worries the Paul Campaign, and apparently the UofL Republicans. It's campaign manipulation, and predict it will backfire big time on the whole bunch of 'em! Tonight the Associated Press said this about the amazing Scott Brown win in MA..." In an epic upset in liberal Massachusetts, Republican Scott Brown rode a wave of voter anger to win the U.S. Senate seat held by the late Edward M. Kennedy for nearly half a century..." That was an EPIC UPSET by Brown, who rode a WAVE OF VOTER ANGER. If Rand Paul, Trey Greyson , the NRSC, Mitch McConnell and the UofL Republicans don't think tea party, grassroots voters aren't watching, and angry as hell about this, they've got a BIG surprise coming in May! Be honest, level the field, invite everyone to play. This is classic, inside the beltway politics, and it just isn't going to play here in the Bluegrass state. Just keep pushing money machines, and see who pushes back!!
erdoc said on January 20, 2010 at 11:18 PM
Here are some numbers for Ben. 2% was a Dec '09 figure reflecting Johnson's standing BEFORE he had even begun his First Flag Tour in Nov. An independant poll taken by a company in CA and published two weeks ago, with a 2,000 likely statewide voter sample and 3.3% MOE, showed Grayson-27%, Paul-25%, Johnson-17%. The internal poll published last week was not Johnson's but one taken by a GOP affiliate Senate candidate survey and showed Johnson at 18% with Paul and Grayson tied at 26%. Polls. I got polled two nights ago. It was a live telephone poll of REGISTERED MALE VOTERS only and the only two options were Grayson and Paul. Who paid for that one Ben? Despite adversity in what should be an honorable race, Johnson will prevail. Why? I didn't mention the 36% undecideds in the polls. They aren't favorably impressed by either Paul nor Grayson. Johnson will earn and not buy their support. Bet Ben didn't know that.
noneoconsplz said on February 1, 2010 at 4:09 AM
I don't think Bill Johnson's a viable candidate. I saw him once. He seemed like a robot. He waves the flag alot and has that highly contrasting character Alan Keyes. Keyes wanted to be the Constitution Party candidate in 2008. He was rejected in favor of Chuck Baldwin, and comment was made at the convention that he was a NeoCon. I did some research and the NeoCons are the ones who lied about the war reasons. Then I remember John McCain came out shortly after Bush invaded, and said it looked like war profiteering to him. Bill has some extreme supporters, too, who almost act like they will beat you if you don't support him. Military service is respected but don't treat people like they have to bow down and worship it or they are scum if they don't. No sir. Not for me or my family. Bill might be a nice guy, but his special interests are hiding in the shadow, and that's the special interest of those who wish to maintain and expand wars for profits. Those WMD must be somewhere?
tunkashila said on February 1, 2010 at 7:47 PM
I have met Johnson several times and he has never conducted himself in the manner you suggest. No one I've read or known has, either. You may be experiencing transference or inadequacy of your own, I don't know, but Johnson is a gentleman. To imply otherwise is a pitiful reflection of your own lack of character.
tunkashila said on February 6, 2010 at 5:23 PM
The Bill Johnson for U.S. Senate campaign received the following poll results. Shamrock Polling conducted the statewide poll for an undisclosed client. Questions regarding the poll can be directed to Persistence Consulting (persistenceconsulting@gmail.com). The Johnson for U.S. Senate campaign did not pay for or participate in this poll. The results are consistent with internal polling done by the campaign. We asked 1,257 likely republican voters the following questions: “Who are you planning on voting for US Senate in the republican primary on May 18th?” Trey Grayson 27% Bill Johnson 23% Rand Paul 21% Undecided 29% We then asked are you strongly, moderately, or leaning towards your candidate? Rand Paul 7% 27% 66% Bill Johnson 72% 21% 7% Trey Grayson 52% 14% 34% Margin of Error 4.5%
graphic said on February 6, 2010 at 5:50 PM
Finally. A Kentucky political poll conducted within Kentucky of Kentucky voters. It's heartening to see more people paying attention to Bill's message - the least political and most qualified in the Senate race! www.kentuckybill.com..... think I'll dig out my checkbook.