Speaking before a crowd of jubilant supporters in his hometown of Oskosh, Wis., Republican senator-elect Ron Johnson (feels good to finally write that out) had some powerful words regarding the significance of his victory over Sen. Russ Feingold tonight.
“We have awakened a sleeping giant,” Johnson said. “America is at a tipping point and tonight the people of Wisconsin have sent a very strong message.”
Still, he wasn’t overly optimistic. “There is much work to do in order to move our country in the right direction,” he said. “It’s not just this election, it’s going to take a few more elections.” He joked that he didn’t want to leave anyone in the crowd feeling depressed, but spoke frankly about the difficult challenges facing the country.
Johnson reiterated his promise to tackle the spending and debt crisis in Washington as his number-one concern, and pledged to seek out allies in Congress who share his goals. After tonight, he should be able to find plenty.
As always, Johnson ended on an a note of unabashed American exceptionalism, with a prayer: “May God bless our efforts, and may God continue to bless the greatest nation in the history of mankind. God bless you.”