Johanns Would Take Conservative Experience, Nebraska Values to U.S. Senate

Press Release

Mike Johanns formally kicked-off his campaign for the United States Senate on Wednesday, touting his conservative experience and the Nebraska values he will take to Washington.

Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman introduced and endorsed Johanns at appearances in Omaha and Lincoln. The announcement tour will span three days and eleven more communities including Beatrice, Hastings, Grand Island, Columbus, Norfolk, Fremont, South Sioux City, Kearney, North Platte, McCook and Scottsbluff.

"First and foremost this campaign is about conservative experience," said Johanns, the former U.S. Agriculture Secretary and Nebraska Governor. "It's a proven record based on a conservative approach on the issues."

He stressed five key issues at the outset of the campaign:
- Lowering taxes and controlling federal spending;
- Protecting the unborn with a pro-life and pro-family agenda;
- Securing our borders and Homeland, with no amnesty;
- Supporting the War on Terror, and especially supporting our troops and their families; and,
- Fighting for an energy policy that truly makes America less dependent on foreign oil.

"I want to be your next United States Senator, to put my conservative experience to work for Nebraska families, small business owners, farmers and ranchers," said Johanns.

Johanns built a strong record as a fiscal conservative during his first term as Governor, vetoing state spending and tax increases during the post 9-11 recession. Nebraska voters re-elected Johanns in 2002 with 68% of the vote.

In 2004, Mike Johanns joined a distinguished group of Governors tapped by President George W. Bush to serve in his Cabinet. As Secretary of Agriculture, Johanns fashioned a strong reputation as a workhorse for his efforts around the world negotiating export agreements for U.S. ag products as well as for his town hall forums across America with farmers and ranchers.

After three years as Agriculture Secretary, Johanns told supporters attending his announcement event, he and Stephanie were glad to be home. He said he learned a valuable lesson as a member of the President's Cabinet.

"If you really want to have an impact in Washington, you have to have a vote."

Johanns decried the partisan gridlock in Washington, "It's time to restore the people's trust in a government that has strayed from the conservative values and principles we hold dear in Nebraska. The tone in Washington must change. While I work tirelessly to promote our conservative agenda and values, I will do it the way we do it in Nebraska, by bringing people together to focus the priorities that will make our state and our nation stronger."

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