Ron Johnson Buys Expensive Digs In D.C.

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JS Online Excerpt: Daniel Bice

For someone who vowed to serve as a "citizen legislator," U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson certainly is acting like a seasoned Washington insider.

First, Johnson hired a former lobbyist as his chief of staff. Then he announced that he was running for a top GOP post in the Senate and created a leadership fund.

Now it turns out that Johnson has paid cash for a $1 million-plus D.C. house within walking distance of his Senate office.

No sleeping on a cot in his legislative office for this first-term Republican.

Will Phony Ron Johnson Vote For Phony GOP Jobs Act?

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Titled, "Jobs plan from Senate Republicans unveiled."

Politico Excerpt:
So they’ve rolled out a jobs plan that amounts to a conservative’s dream agenda: targeting labor and environmental regulations, enacting a balanced-budget amendment to the Constitution, lowering corporate and individual tax rates, encouraging energy production and expanding free trade, according to a draft obtained by POLITICO.

Everything but jobs, but they call it a jobs plan. How could this be? Just two days ago Sen. Ron Johnson jailed 19 constituents for questioning his vote against Obama's Jobs Act because he insisted that economic expansion cannot come from government...

WEAU Excerpt:
He says the Senate voted as it did because economic expansion must come from the private sector, not the government.

Another View

Democurmudgeon - GOP "Jobs" Plan Complete Joke, during Serious Joblessness

Ron Johnson Admits No Jobs Plan And Won't Vote For One

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Nineteen constituents were arrested after they entered Sen. Ron Johnson's downtown Milwaukee office to inquire about why he voted against the American Jobs Act.

WEAU Excerpt:
He says the Senate voted as it did because economic expansion must come from the private sector, not the government.

Johnson Press Release Excerpt
Unfortunately, those who came to my Milwaukee office were more interested in scoring political points than discussing issues. They chose not to meet with my staff, but instead to be disorderly, which unfortunately resulted in their arrest by law enforcement."

DailyKos Excerpt:
Johnson is one callous lying SOB. These people knew that Johnson wasn't at his Milwaukee Headquarters. They are not stupid. They went in to speak with his staff. They were greeted by security and immediately told to leave. Cops instantaneously arrived and zip tied them and dragged them off on charges of trespassing. These protesters are not politicians trying to make "political points." They are his constituents trying desperately to be heard!

Here is that malcontent getting released from the slammer. She had it coming to her for having the gall to walk into her Senator's regional office. An afternoon on ice should teach her to act as if she lives in a representative democracy!

Believe it or not - Ron Johnson actually has a deregulation plan designed to fuel even higher unemployment rates.

Additional

Story and Photos at Wisconsin Jobs Now

Update Story and more photos here.

Corp Hack Ron Johnson Pegging Work and Health Safety to Unemployment Levels

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Ron Johnson must of had his thinking cap ironed and tightly screwed on when he devised this highly poisonous hyper-partisan piece of class war legislation tying health and safety regulations to unemployment rates, and high unemployment rates to President Obama. This ought to catapult the senator's fear-mongering politics and lamebrain reputation right up there with the vacant Sarah Palin and empty-suited Paul Ryan.

Ron Johnson Press Release Excerpt:
Today Senator Ron Johnson (WI) introduced S. 1438, the Regulation Moratorium and Job Preservation Act. The bill calls for a moratorium on burdensome federal regulations until the national unemployment rate falls to 7.7 percent – below where it was when President Obama was sworn into office.

“With unemployment at 9.2 percent, and employers nationwide fearful about the Obama agenda, regulators should take a pause.

What this screaming imbecile does is tell businesses that if they start hiring, those dreaded government regulators that they supposedly claim stifles profits will come back poking around and boobytrap your business. Talk about an incentive.

Act Excerpt:
SEC. 3. SIGNIFICANT REGULATORY ACTIONS.
8 (a) IN GENERAL.— No agency may take any significant regulatory action, until the Bureau of Labor Statistics average of monthly unemployment rates for any quarter beginning after the date of enactment of this Act is equal to or less than 7.7 percent.

Keep unemployment high and you will be rewarded. Stay fearful of Obama's agenda for driving high unemployment AND stay fearful of Obama's government regulators IF you make any attempt to bring unemployment down. Whatever you do, you don't want to do anything that could help re-elect that Kenyan Muslim Socialist back into the White House, is the general message.

Act Excerpt:

(e) REASONABLE ATTORNEY FEES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES.
The court shall award reasonable attorney fees and costs to a substantially prevailing small business in any civil action arising under this Act. A party qualifies as substantially prevailing even without obtaining a final judgment in its favor if the agency changes its position as a result of the civil action.

Here, Johnson takes this even further by legislating taxpayer dollars to cover any damages that may arise from his dysfunctional legislation, but only for the business regardless of judgment. No sympathy for the victim of corporate greed from this fine, fine senator.

I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried.

Democurmudgeon asks What is wrong with this guy?

Another Manufacturer Fleeing Ryan's District

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This is another huge hit for Janesville.

JG Excerpt:
JANESVILLE--A Janesville manufacturer of promotional products will close its doors in April, eliminating about 75 jobs. Employees of Norwood Promotional Products, 1309 Plainfield Ave., learned of the decision Wednesday to move local operations to a facility in Red Wing, Minn.

Norwood Promotional Products is the first casualty in Janesville of the new certainty ushered in by the statewide romp of republicans in November. Company execs claim that an "analysis" showed moving the operation out of Janesville would improve customer experience and streamline operational capabilities. In our new world of global free-market capitalism, that's just a safe way to say "creative destruction."

They (the local establishment and media) could pretend the loss of 75 jobs doesn't mean much here, after all what's another 75 jobs after losing 3,500 regional jobs from the closing of the GM plant. They could say the handwriting was on the wall for Norwood after filing bankruptcy back in 2009. But make no mistake about it, small to medium sized companies like Norwood are what's left of the backbone of the Janesville/Rock County economy. Unlike fast food restaurants and Janesville's Mercy hospital, these small manufacturing businesses are not merely recirculating the area's wealth - their payrolls actually bring in much needed fresh added capital. Psychologically, it's devastating and I fear Janesville hasn't seen the end of it.

So let's cut to chase. Norwood resides in Rep. Paul Ryan's congressional district. Why does this matter? Well, because he repeatedly won awards for legislating manufacturing excellence from an outfit called the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). So, how is it when a congressman voting NAM's way over 90 percent in near perfect alignment with his votes on his party's legislative successes from 2000 through 2006, resulted in a precipitous decline of the once robust manufacturing industry within his own district? Hey, don't look to blame democrats - most did not win those prestigious manufacturing awards because they voted against many of the GOP's trade and business policies. Besides, government doesn't create jobs and democrats are socialists is the current winning narrative. Clearly then, today's joblessness is a direct product of past republican policies that all but outlawed manufacturing on American soil.

Let's not forget Gov.-elect Scott Walker either. In a recent editorial, the Chicago Tribune touted him as a governor who is prepared to steal jobs from other states. Really. Good luck with that one. "Wisconsin's open for business!" was one of Walker's first hollow platitudes after winning the election. He'll create and save jobs, by gum. Perhaps Walker could order Norwood to delay shutting their doors until after he is sworn in, so he can fully evaluate their decision and it's effect on the state. Do I sound bitter here?

Yet, Walker and Ryan are merely the tip of the future "certainty" iceberg here in Wisconsin. Norwood also resides in soon to be former Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan's district, but he's a democrat and we all know democrats don't create jobs. He was defeated by job creator extra-ordinaire republican Joe Knilans who promised to bring jobs back to Janesville. During his campaign, he accused Sheridan in failing to bring new production to the GM plant. Surely, Knilans can protect a measly 75 manufacturing jobs then, right? So, what's Knilans doing about Norwood? Can't wait to hear about it. Do I sound bitter here?

Oh, and we can't forget Ron Johnson. Where is that crown jewel of a businessman-turned-senator? That's Mister 30-year-successful-small-businessman-job-creator himself. Heck, if he walked through the doors of Norwood right now everybody would have to put on sunglasses before being permitted to bask in his awesome presence. You know, the Janesville Gazette editorialized against Russ Feingold by claiming he never did much for Janesville. Hear that Sen. Johnson? Now's your chance to step up in Janesville and show what you can do what Feingold failed to. Do I sound bitter here?

So, where are all those tax cutting republican promise-keepers of jobs?

Yet, where is the all powerful local lobbyist group Forward Janesville on this? What about the big-shot business experts of the much ballyhooed Rock County 5.0? You know full well too, that if those local groups happen to "woo" a new business into Janesville someday - the Gazette won't let you, I or anybody forget about it for the rest of our lives. Be prepared for that one.

Hey, I'm not saying it's easy - but these are the folks pushing to deficit spend $1.5 billion for an interstate expansion on a growing population of jobless taxpayers. THEY sure made it sound like job creation is easy if only we can bring certainty back and get rid of those damn socialist democrats. They made it sound like democrats were anti-business and did everything wrong and created too much future uncertainty while Republicans claimed they will reverse that direction.

So I'm not bitter - I'm just waiting for all of these republicans to do what they claimed democrats failed to do - and start saving and creating jobs. This isn't a dare - I'm only reminding you of your promises and asking that you keep them.

Related:
Ryan's Hometown Among Worst On Forbes List For Jobs

Ryan Wins Another NAM Award

W-RON-G Graffiti - Worth A Thousand Words

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After I saw this very cool expression of graffiti art first at Blogging Blue and posted again at Cognitive Dissidence, I couldn't stop myself from slapping together a couple copycat banners to display in my blog sidebar.

Whoever created the original deserves a round of hearty applause. Simply superb!

Free Banners

width=226px Height=52px

width=165px Height=40px

Wisconsin's Very Own Three Stooges

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It was only a little more than a week ago...

WSJ Excerpt:
Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle's administration quietly signed a deal with the federal government over the weekend committing the state to spending the full $810 million in federal money granted for a high-speed passenger-rail line between Milwaukee and Madison.

Republicans screamed bloody murder against the move calling it "a quiet, secret deal in the middle of the night." They claimed it would make it more difficult for Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker, the Republican candidate for governor, to stop construction of the rail line if he is elected. Well, Walker won the election and, at least in my view, Doyle did exactly the right thing by putting the hi-speed rail project into the hands of the future governor. Despite Doyle's obvious courtesy to the governor-elect, Walker's supporters still found fault with Doyle and accuse him for the train project mess and playing political games upon his impending exit. It's almost as if they'd prefer he had rammed the deal through. Nobody can win with these lunatics.

Walker in the meantime has been playing a game of brinksmanship by trying to shift the blame for the job losses his kept promises will create, back onto the Obama Administration calling it a grave mistake if the train fund cannot be raided and used for roads and bridges instead.

Stopping the train should be an easy call for Walker, afterall he is ideologically opposed to the project and ferociously campaigned against it and deficit spending stimulus dollars from the start. Remember, his first brown bag campaign slogan was not to spend what we don't have.

Excluding Walker's attempt to strong arm the federal subsidy away from one business sector to leverage another, I really don't see what the all the hoopla is about. During his campaign, Walker stated that government doesn't create jobs - so unless the private sector steps up with 250,000 jobs over the next four years - it's promises kept there as well. His only plan to create jobs revolves around giving tax cuts to the wealthy and corporations.

Other republicans appear to be driving around Walker's trainwreck.

JS Online Excerpt:
Meanwhile Tuesday, another key Republican from Wisconsin, U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan of Janesville, would not commit right away to Walker's plan. Ryan, who is expected to become the next chairman of the House Budget Committee, said in a statement only that he would work with Walker, U.S. transportation officials and others on "how we can meet our state's primary transportation needs and do so in a fiscally responsible way." Ryan was not available for an interview.

The usual double-talk from Ryan. He won't commit to anything but he'll work with him. The slick congressman knew exactly what to say to squeak out of that one.

And, where's Ron Johnson?

JS Online Excerpt:
Senator-elect Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) did not respond to a request for comment.

You know, asking Johnson about an important issue so soon after the election is asking for a little much. Afterall, he's undoubtedly working on a different monologue from what the voters apparently accepted from him while on the campaign trail. He did promise that if he won, his true feelings will finally take voice. Aren't we lucky.

Get Ready To Party Like Its 1929!

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Ron Johnson declared winner.

Ron Johnson: Wisconsin's "Hollow Man"

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Video: Ron Johnson - The man with no plan



Intentionally Deceiving Wisconsin Voters

Politico Excerpt:
So he watches his words, ignoring the fact that he's already making the trade-offs conventional politicians make to win office. It will be different once and if he wins, he promises. Then, his true feelings can take voice.

RELATED
Uppity Wisconsin
No WI Candidate in Modern Times Has Been So Inaccessible

Ron Johnson Shows His Values - Profits Over Victims

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I have no doubt Republican senate candidate Ron Johnson has a genuine disgust for pedophiles and holds faith-based organizations in high regard for the work they do. That is not the issue here.

What is the issue is Johnson's Randian inspired testimony in opposition to state legislation to remove the statute of limitations that prevents victims of child abuse to sue their abusers. In other words, if it is later discovered that a non-profit institution or faith-based organization knowingly put a child in the care of a person with a history of predation, and that child becomes another victim, Johnson says that organization should not be held liable. Even more disgusting is that Johnson's defense logic has roots in Ayn Rand's morally bankrupt ideology where anyone, even a defenseless child victim of a sexual predator, would be labeled as parasitic non-producer simply by seeking financial damages from a so-called producer.

I can't believe this guy is still considered a candidate for the U.S. Senate.

Johnson: Victims Can Cause Economic Havoc

Republican Plans Too Awful To Speak About

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In an appearance on "Fox News Sunday" over the weekend, House Minority Leader John Boehner suggested that now is not the time to talk about republican solutions to create jobs, reduce deficits or restore certainty to the Social Security and Medicare safety nets.

CHRIS WALLACE: But forgive me, sir. I mean, isn't the right time to have the adult conversation now before the election when you have this document? (Pledge To America)
JOHN  BOEHNER: Chris, this is what happens here in Washington. When you start down that path, you just invite all kinds of problems. I know. I've been there. I think we need to do this in a more systemic way and have this conversation first. Let's not get to the potential solutions. Let's make sure Americans understand how big the problem is. Then we can begin to talk about possible solutions and then work ourselves into those solutions that are doable.

While on the campaign trail,  GOP Senate candidate Ron Johnson also said he did not plan to lay out in detail what federal programs he would cut.

Excerpt:
"There's billions of dollars . . . that from my standpoint would be available for cutting. But I'm not going to get in the game here and, you know, start naming specific things to be attacked about, quite honestly," said Johnson during an appearance at the Milwaukee Press Club.

What is it exactly that republicans plan on doing that is so terrible that they are afraid to tell us?

One Down Five To Go - Johnson Snubs Eau Claire

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I’d really like to say Johnson snubbed Feingold, but that was not the case Sunday in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, when Feingold showed up to the first of six debates at the command of the people of Wisconsin. Feingold wasn't alone however, the people showed up too.

Maybe it's just me and I'm too demanding with unreasonably high expectations of politicians seeking my vote, that's possible. Mind you, I’m not bragging about Feingold here because I expect our senator, any senator and any primary winner by any name from any party to be respectful enough to attend these important election issue functions when asked.

Feingold showed up - Johnson was absent. His campaign said it was too soon after the primary win.

Chippewa Excerpt:
Feingold’s campaign has accepted invitations from organizers of six debates in the next seven weeks, starting with an event Sunday in Eau Claire. Johnson told reporters in Mequon on Wednesday his campaign is coordinating with Feingold’s campaign, but says Sunday is very soon after his primary win Tuesday.

That's about it in a nutshell folks. Right from the horse's mouth. Johnson's campaign claims to be coordinating the debates around Feingold, it's not like the people of Wisconsin have anything to do with it.

Lets face it. Kids running one of their rich daddy’s captured supply houses are not used to the working folks calling the shots – Johnson certainly isn’t going to let them start now.

Johnson Lies To Fabricate Negative Campaign Against Himself

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Where have I heard that before? There's a pattern developing here, that's for sure.

If you’re familiar with my blog, you’ll know I rarely if ever refer to anybody as a liar. That’s a pretty strong word. I mean, everybody is entitled to their opinion and stand by it, even when their opinion is based on false statements and half-truths.

But when a person claims another person “is gonna” tell you something which they never did say and then proceed to use the fabricated statement in an argument against that person – I’d say that person is a liar. In this case, I’d say he’s a hallucinating double-talking backbiting liar. Such is the scenario around Ron Johnson’s latest campaign ad to create a negative ad against himself, and then claiming Sen. Russ Feingold did it.

Johnson begins his ad ...

"Guess what’s coming in Russ Feingold’s negative campaign. He’s gonna tell you that I said Washington treats Social Security like a Ponzi scheme.

You know what? I did say that...because it's true."

But you know what? Johnson lied. Johnson never said “Washington treats it like a Ponzi Scheme” until today - and he lied again by saying that Feingold's "gonna" say Johnson said “Washington treats it like a Ponzi Scheme.” Got that?

This is Johnson’s actual quote on Social Security…

Wispolitics Excerpt:
"Is it too strong a statement to say that we’ve been lied to? How is Social Security different from a giant Ponzi scheme? Our money has been spent, and the lockbox is nothing more than a future claim against our children’s income." [Johnson’s speech at the Winnebago County Republicans’ Lincoln Day Dinner, March 21, 2010]

In my world, there is a difference between treating a person like a dog and stating that a person IS a dog. I'm not splitting hairs here, the difference is like night and day. It's basic comprehension.

So the reality is, if elected, Ron Johnson will go to Washington and treat Social Security like a Ponzi Scheme - because he, not Russ Feingold, believes it to be no different than one.

The other truth is, Feingold doesn’t need to run negative ads against Johnson. This fella Ron Johnson is doing it all for him.

Additional Note: So far, most of Johnson's campaign ads are meant to reconstruct his extremist views into a more moderate populist message. That’s why his latest ads and his campaign staff are constantly contradicting or marginalizing what he said previously. When they can’t pull it off cleanly, they’ll put words in Feingold’s mouth. I think Johnson’s campaign is in permanent damage-control mode. Most of Johnson’s campaign staff's repositioning statements actually coincide more closely with Feingold’s position. They have nothing left to offer but name-calling.

Walker Loses 1st Round TKO Against Shadow

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Scott Walker must have a secret bet going with GOP senate candidate Ronald Johnson to see whose campaign can devolve first into a state of permanent back-fire to bury their candidacy before primary Tuesday. So far it looks like Walker's got a slight lead in that contest.

After windbag Walker issued his pork spending campaign attack against Mark Neumann, the internets opened up with evidence that Walker actually supported enough of the bill to hope it would pass. It did, but now Walker says the portion of the bill he supported was different because "this is money that was already there," but suggests the bill should have been voted down anyways because it spent too much. Is that some new kind of fiscal conservatism? Does any of that make sense?

As it turns out, Tom Barrett, who was in Congress at the time with Neumann, voted against the bill. At a press conference, Walker was asked what he thought about Barrett's vote. With a shit-eating grin he responded…

WKOW Excerpt:
"He probably voted against it because it didn't have enough pork for his district," Walker said.

Just couldn't give credit when credit was due. With that cheapshot answer, you'd have to wonder how Scott Walker would have voted on the bill had he the chance. Most likely he would have voted "absent," just like his thinking is right now, or ask one of his republican colleagues for advice on how to vote.

Another Wisconsin blog, Illusory Tenant, noted that Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, like Tom Barrett, also voted against the pork barrel spending bill. Scott Walker of course was not a member of Congress.

Illusory Tenant Excerpt:
See how ridiculous these sorts of ads are? They practically depend on voter ignorance. And there could only be but one rational explanation for this one: Mark-Neumann-breathing-down-your-neck desperation.

Any way we look at this episode, in a one-on-one match-up with either republican on that old spending bill issue, Tom Barrett comes out the winner - as he should.

On a slightly different subject

In all due respect to some of my progressive friends, I don't agree with some of the reasons blogs are offering for democratic party voters to consider voting republican in the primary in an attempt to run a "weaker" candidate against the opposing democrat. Regarding Walker, Neumann, Johnson or Westlake, they all are running on failed GOP platform ideas and carry their own personal broken records. One might be more radical than the other, the other might be more tea-bagger or just plain stupid - but they are all equally weak one-on-one against Feingold or Barrett. Bottom line: Don't waste your vote on a republican.

Johnson Campaign At Odds Over Red Ron's Remarks

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There they go again. Red-leaning GOPer candidate Ron Johnson says exactly what he means and his campaign comes out to reject the meaning of what he said. Who can we believe?

Open Left Excerpt:
I never thought we'd see a Republican Communist - and certainly not one who is the nominee for U.S. Senate in a major swing-state. But as the Wisconsin State Journal shows, in these strange times, even that seeming oxymoron now exists:

U.S. Senate candidate Ron Johnson was on the Wisconsin Radio Network Monday, chatting about jobs and the economy. But after the host asked him about his free market philosophy, Johnson ended up kind-of praising the current business climate China instead...Johnson veered onto the topic of China, and how casino entrepreneur Steve Wynn has already started building businesses in Macau.

"He's also creating resorts in Macau in China, communist China. And his point is, the level of uncertainty, the climate for business investment is far more certain in communist China then it is in the U.S. here," Johnson said.

This is pretty explicit: Johnson is praising a communist Chinese government and its state central planning for (allegedly) creating laudable certainty in that nation's economy - all while criticizing America's economy for not being equally communist, state-planned and stable. Read more>>>

Government Bootstrapping Jobs In Rock County

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It's gotten to point now where nearly every business start-up or big business expansion expects some kind of an entitlement or hand-out from local and state tax collectives. It's not just Wisconsin, it's everywhere.

This story from the Janesville Gazette explains how local and state governments were eager to bootstrap the growth and expansion of several businesses in Rock County with tax payer dollars. One company, without identification or mean's testing, gave only basic details: what they made, what they might bring to the area and most importantly, what they needed.

They got this little package just for the asking:

JG Excerpt:
-- 20 percent in direct developer incentives for 10 years.

-- A $500,000 forgivable development loan from the state Department of Commerce.

-- $510,000 in tax credits from Beloit.

-- A $132,000 Transportation Economic Assistance grant from the Department of Transportation.

-- A $50,000 grant to train new employees at Blackhawk Technical College.

Local government officials seem proud that this one package of "incentives" bootstrapped nearly 100 jobs. But, aren't these precisely the hand-outs that senate candidate Ron Johnson and guber Scott Walker claim that are wrong? Those two candidates in particular swear that government doesn't create jobs. Would those jobs have been created without government intervention? Johnson seems to think so. Have we been duped?

JS Online Excerpt:
At campaign stops on Friday before groups at a Wisconsin Rapids restaurant and later at the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Johnson said he sees a society that is lurching toward a culture of entitlement dependency.

"People are saying, 'That's my right, give it to me.' That's not the America I recognize. I think we're losing America. That's what's at stake in this election."

Those incentive packages are so routine that many businesses won't make a move without them. They are the new corporate entitlement. Johnson should come down to Beloit or Janesville and ask the business owners and CEO's why they chose to leverage their decision with government hand-outs instead of privately funded investment dollars.

Like he did.

Quote Of the Week

John Casper:
"Sen. Sunspot married 3rdbase and claims he hit a triple."

RoJo Bootstrapped Business Expansion With Government Loan

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According to this article by Capitol Bureau Chief Bob Schaper, when anti-government mister-free-enterprise businessman Ron Johnson leveraged some capital to expand his business in the 1980's, he side-stepped free-market banks in favor of a super-duper below-market interest rate gov-mint bond.

WKOW Excerpt:
According to a July 19, 1985, article published in the Oshkosh Northwestern, a $2.5 million industrial development revenue bond was approved by the Oshkosh Common Council on July 18, 1985. An article in the same newspaper, dated Feb. 16, 1986, said Pacur Inc., co-owned by Johnson, used the money to build a 40,000-square-foot addition.

And yet another hand-out here.

Johnson Factchecks Himself – Loses

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This is almost funny. When a candidate posts their own “factchecks,” the first impression I get is that they are disputing "claims" made in the media or by the opposition. Not so with GOP senate candidate Ron Johnson.

Johnson Campaign Excerpt:

Claim: “Johnson willing to ‘horse trade’ mortgage interest deduction.”

Truth: This claim was made following an interview with WKOW’s Bob Schaper. During the interview, Johnson stated his willingness to “take a look at all of the options in terms of how you simplify taxes.” Johnson supports the mortgage interest deduction, but stated a willingness to explore a variety of options to reduce the tax burden and simplify our tax code. Johnson’s response was a far cry from any assertion that he would specifically look to “horse trade” mortgage interest deductions and simply an inaccurate claim.

Johnson refers to this as a dubious "claim," when in reality it is his own actual quote published in its intended context. It was Johnson himself who introduced "horse trading" the mortgage interest deduction as an option to do away with it among options he would consider. That of course means he's willing to do it.

WKOW Excerpt:
We asked if that applied to home mortgage interest deductions, and whether that popular program should be eliminated. Johnson said his goal is to lower taxes and simplify the tax code, and, as part of that, he wouldn't rule out doing away with the interest deduction."

Even taken in the broad definition Johnson now claims he said it in, in his Factcheck, he still supports the notion that he's willing to ‘horse trade’ the mortgage interest deduction, as an option.

Johnson Campaign Excerpt:

Claim: Johnson believes sunspots are the cause of global warming.

Truth: Johnson’s quote was used in the broader context of his argument against passing legislation such as cap and trade that would raises taxes and put tens of thousands out of work in Wisconsin. Several reports however focused only on a single remark rather than the true intent of the answer.

Johnson’s full quote read: “I absolutely do not believe that the science of man-caused climate change is proven. Not by any stretch of the imagination. I think it’s far more likely that it’s just sun spot activity or something just in the geologic eons of time where we have changes in the climate.” He later went on to say that “We would just penalize our economy tremendously and for the state of Wisconsin it would be extremely harmful.” (Ron Johnson, Interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Editorial Board, 8/16/10)

Again, Johnson fact checks the "claim" by confirming its true, "it’s far more likely that it’s just sun spot activity or something." No argument here.

I might be giving Johnson too much credit by saying his fact checks are an attempt by his campaign to confuse voters. Johnson basically starts an argument for the sake of argument saying, "no, I did say that. Stop slinging mud."

The lesson learned here is just because he fact checks himself, doesn’t mean he’s disputing his claims - he's disputing everybody else for repeating them. How’s that for the ultimate in smug counter-flip-floppency.