Vulnerable Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI), had been one of a few Republican senators up for re-election this year who planned on avoiding the GOP convention, but now he is scheduled to speak in Cleveland.
Johnson, who is enganged in a tough re-election fight against former Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI), will deliver a speech on Tuesday, according to the updated speaker list revealed by the Republican National Committee on Sunday. Tuesday’s theme will be “Make America Work Again,” and Johnson’s bio on the speaker list notes that the senator “is focused on reining in government spending and bringing jobs back to the people of Wisconsin
However, Johnson’s staff says his speech will focus on national security, as he is the chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
“In light of growing concerns about international Islamic terrorism, Ron has decided to accept an invitation to talk with the American people about what we must do to keep our communities safe — just as he’ll be doing all week while traveling across Wisconsin,” spokesman Brian Reisinger told Politico, adding that Johnson will only be at the convention for a short period of time.
Johnson decided to speak after RNC Chair Reince Priebus asked him to, according to Politico.
