‘If It’s True’, Sen. Ron Johnson’s Failure to Strongly Confront Sexual Abuse of Women and Children Continues

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson has responded to sourced reporting in a respected national media publication about past inappropriate sexual contact between Republican candidate for the Senate in Alabama Roy Moore and several women in their teens, including one age 14.

Johnson’s statements offered a qualified, “if it’s true” condemnation. His refrain is similar to those of numerous other male Republican colleagues responding to the stories from multiple women about the abhorrent behavior of Moore.

The following are the statements of One Wisconsin Now’s Analiese Eicher and Joanna Beilman-Dulin:

“As has been demonstrated over and over in recent months, powerful men can abuse women for decades before the abuse comes to light.

“What has been reported about Roy Moore and his assault of multiple teen women, including one as young as 14, is abhorrent and demands outright, unqualified condemnation.

“Ron Johnson and his cohorts ‘if it’s true’ waffling gives undeserved aid and comfort to the perpetrator.”

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The following are numerous instances of Ron Johnson’s failure to take sexual abuse of women and children seriously:

Ron Johnson Did Not Inform Law Enforcement After Being Told by Staff Member of Her Assault
“U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, his chief of staff and a Waukesha County GOP official were all told three years ago of allegations that a then-aide to the senator had been sexually assaulted by state Rep. Bill Kramer, but none of them took the matter to the police or Assembly leaders.”

Johnson Questioned If Sexual Harassment Incident Occurred in US Senate
“Republican Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson is not buying fellow Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s recent claim that she was subject to sexual harassment and fat-shaming within the hallowed halls of the Senate. He’s not buying it at all. On the NewsmaxTV show The Steve Malzberg Show, Johnson addressed Gillibrand’s remarks, saying that if she actually had been harassed, she should be able to name names. He simply cannot just take her word for it.”

Johnson Voted Against the Violence Against Women Act
“In a statement Wednesday, GOP Sen. Ron Johnson said he voted against re-authorizing the Violence Against Women Act because it contained “serious flaws,” including an “unconstitutional expansion of tribal authority. Johnson was one of 22 senators – all Republicans – who voted Tuesday against re-authorization of the law, which offers protections and aid to victims of domestic violence.”

Ron Johnson Took Action to Oppose Efforts to Help Victims Hold Pedophile Priests Accountable
“Prodded by a Catholic official, the Oshkosh businessman earlier this year jumped into the controversy over legislation aimed at making it easier for victims of childhood sexual abuse to sue their abusers. Johnson, a Lutheran, sided with Catholic Church leaders in opposing the so-called Child Victims Act before a state Senate committee in January. The bill failed to win approval.”

One Wisconsin Now is a statewide communications network specializing in effective earned media and online organizing to advance progressive leadership and values.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.