Republicans Clamoring for Primary to Brad Johnson

by: Matt Singer

Fri Aug 17, 2007 at 08:40:14 AM MST

Maybe Johnson will take a hit in the primary from his own party....
The GOP has to recognize they have a real problem on their hands, the thoughts of Joe Lamson appointing the next Chief Election Deputy has to make Erik Iverson and the GOP break out in a cold sweat. If Iverson is worth his salt at all he'll go find someone to take Johnson on in the primary and rid himself of this embarassment. Mark Simonich is currently unemployed, maybe Janice Doggett, the current Chief Legal Council? Show us your stuff Erik, or Linda McCulloch is going to show you the door.

Johnson is inept. He is arrogant. He seems to think that 'elected' and 'anointed' are synonyms. He is an abject failure as secretary of state, and has no skills or experience to recommend him for further public office. (The 'Peter Principle' applies here). Johnson is disdainful of the legislature and legislators, and thinks the workings of government as a whole are a waste of time. He loves paid junkets, however. Such 'perks' of public office are reason enough for Johnson to seek renewal of a privileged place at the head table of what he obviously considers the public trough. Johnson is not highly regarded among 'his own,' however, so it would not be surprising if he faced a Republican primary contest in June 2008. Another possibility is that the Republican Party will let Johnson 'twist in the wind' as they concentrate on political contests for the legislature.

So here's a good question: is Johnson facing a primary?

And, whether he does or not, can the Republicans beat back a campaign from Linda McCulloch, a strong campaigner with a sharp team alongside her?

Update -- RW and Interested are objecting to my characterizing them as Republicans, preferring to call themselves independents. Sure, whatever. All indications are that they are plugged into conservative rumor circles. I could be wrong, but I know at least one of them -- and that individual is definitely not a Dem and this person does have some pretty clear GOP credentials.