Bill Johnson (Kentucky politician)
Encyclopedia
Bill Johnson is a western Kentucky
businessman and high school math teacher who was the unsuccessful Republican candidate for Secretary of State of Kentucky
in the November 8, 2011 general election.
, served 10 years in the United States Navy
working with Nuclear Propulsion. After his service, Johnson spent several years traveling on behalf of corporations such as BP
and General Electric
, while also heading a private company in Elkton that provided aircraft maintenance.
Republican
" in the Republican primary
of the 2010 US Senate election in Kentucky
against Rand Paul
and Secretary of State Trey Grayson
. During the campaign, Johnson announced he would be joined by Bob Heft, designer of the 50-star flag, on the campaign trail in Kentucky. Heft joined Johnson for many TEA party events, dinners, and even appeared in a television commercial that aired in the Western Kentucky. Johnson also received the endorsement from former Reagan staffer, and Presidential candidate, Alan Keyes
; who also appeared in commercials as well. Despite spending nearly $250,000 of his own money and internal polling showing him with as much as 20% of the vote, with two months remaining in the campaign, Johnson decided to exit the race due to a lack of financial backing and a poll that showed his support at 5%. Johnson refused to endorse either candidate after aborting his campaign.
, Johnson declared that he was interested in either running for Secretary of State or State Senate
. After several weeks of consulting, on November 8, 2010, Johnson filed to be a candidate for Secretary of State in Kentucky. Signing Johnson's paperwork was Ellen Reitmeyer, a longtime Louisville
-based campaign manager, and James Young, a former Special Assistant to Secretary of State Trey Grayson.
Shortly after announcing, Johnson launched his campaign in Louisville while announcing his campaign would be surrounded by key legislators such as State Senate Majority Caucus Chair Dan Seum, State Representative
Kevin Bratcher, and State Representative Wade Hurt. Though early, Johnson was able to secure the endorsements of many key legislators around the Commonwealth, including U.S Senator Rand Paul. Johnson decided to use the same media firm as Kentucky Gubernatorial candidate and Senate President
David L. Williams
, Brush Fire Digital of Orlando
.
One day before the filing deadline, Johnson learned that he would be opposed by Hilda Legg of Somerset
. Legg unsuccessfully challenged Johnson for the Republican nomination for Secretary of State in the May 17, 2011 primary. Johnson will face Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes
, a Lexington
attorney in the general election.
On January 31, 2011, Johnson announced via Facebook
that his campaign would be holding a fundraising reception just a few doors down from outgoing Secretary of State Trey Grayson. Despite being viewed as an outsider, Johnson announced that Senator Jack Westwood of Erlanger
and Senator Damon Thayer of Georgetown
, two highly regarded elected officials in the state, would introduce him at the event. The announcement came in wake of many reports suggesting that Johnson's support may have dried up via Legg's entrance, triggering signals that his campaign may be more active than originally reported.
On February 22, 2011, Johnson faced his opponent for the first time in a Louisville Candidate Forum, sponsored by the Louisville Tea Party
and American Family Association
of Kentucky. After the event, 200 likely Republican primary voters were polled on whom they favored in the race for Secretary of State. Johnson won 93% of the vote, suggesting that he was the favorite in the eyes of the Tea Party movement and religious right
.
On March 17, 2011, Johnson's campaign announced on their website that they had gained the support of Hal Heiner, who lost a narrow race for Louisville Mayor in 2010. Heiner announced he would be fundraising for Johnson in Louisville, citing his ability to raise over one million dollars in his bid for Louisville Mayor.
On April 27, 2011, media sources close to the campaign revealed that Johnson would be first to launch campaign advertising statewide. James Young, Political Director, confirmed the reports via an interview with reporter Kenny Colston of CN2-Insight. Young revealed that the campaign was running statewide radio commercials in every media market. The 60 second ad touts Johnson's private-sector experience, military background, and push for requiring photo identification at polling places.
On May 17, 2011, Bill Johnson won the Republican nomination for Kentucky Secretary of State. He defeated Hilda Legg by just 1,116 votes statewide. Johnson was outspent nearly 10-1 in his primary victory. Bill Johnson credits the grassroots support of the TEA Party, previous name recognition from his brief run for U.S Senate, and early entry into the race as partially responsible for his win in the Republican primary. On May 18, Hilda Legg declared she would call for a recanvassing of the votes statewide. Legg claimed her supporters urged her to request the recanvass based upon the tightness of the race. In a 51-49% victory, Johnson surprisingly won areas in which he spent very little time including the eastern half of the state, largely represented by Congressman Hal Rogers, a longtime friend of Hilda Legg. With 96% of precincts reporting, Bill Johnson spoke to supporters in Louisville claiming victory at approximately 9:30pm.
Columnists have suggested that Johnson would largely benefit from the loss of TEA Party-backed Gubernatorial candidate Phil Moffett in November. Moffett enjoyed unified support from state TEA Party organizations. With Moffett in the primary, many analysts predict that Johnson will receive the focus of the energy behind the grassroots organizations across Kentucky.
Shortly after the Republican primary, Johnson announced that his campaign would move forward with Lexington businesswoman, Kathy Stocks as the new Campaign Manager. Primary Manager James Young parted ways with the campaign shortly after.
In October 2011, former Secretary of State Trey Grayson announced he disagreed with Johnson's idea of requiring individuals whom identify themselves as homeless to be registered to a literal address rather than the nearest courthouse by default. This triggered Grayson to cancel a fundraising reception in Lexington scheduled to occur just weeks before the General Election.
Numerous October polls showed Bill Johnson trailing Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes by roughly 10% across the state.
On November 8, 2011, Johnson was defeated in the general election by Democrat Alison Lungergan Grimes. Final election results showed Johnson finished with just 39% of total votes cast.
Kentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
businessman and high school math teacher who was the unsuccessful Republican candidate for Secretary of State of Kentucky
Secretary of State of Kentucky
The Secretary of State of Kentucky is one of the constitutional officers of the U.S. state of Kentucky. It is now an elected office, but was an appointed office prior to 1891. The current Secretary of State is Democrat Elaine Walker, who was appointed by Governor Steve Beshear to fulfill the...
in the November 8, 2011 general election.
Early years and career
Bill Johnson, a native of Elkton, KentuckyElkton, Kentucky
Elkton is a city in and the county seat of Todd County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 1,984 at the 2000 census. The city was founded by Major John Gray...
, served 10 years in the United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
working with Nuclear Propulsion. After his service, Johnson spent several years traveling on behalf of corporations such as BP
BP
BP p.l.c. is a global oil and gas company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the third-largest energy company and fourth-largest company in the world measured by revenues and one of the six oil and gas "supermajors"...
and General Electric
General Electric
General Electric Company , or GE, is an American multinational conglomerate corporation incorporated in Schenectady, New York and headquartered in Fairfield, Connecticut, United States...
, while also heading a private company in Elkton that provided aircraft maintenance.
Campaign for U.S Senate
Johnson ran unsuccessfully as a "Ronald ReaganRonald Reagan
Ronald Wilson Reagan was the 40th President of the United States , the 33rd Governor of California and, prior to that, a radio, film and television actor....
Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
" in the Republican primary
Primary election
A primary election is an election in which party members or voters select candidates for a subsequent election. Primary elections are one means by which a political party nominates candidates for the next general election....
of the 2010 US Senate election in Kentucky
United States Senate election in Kentucky, 2010
The 2010 United States Senate election in Kentucky took place on November 2, 2010 alongside other elections to the United States Senate in other states as well as elections to the United States House of Representatives and various state and local elections. Primaries for each respective party were...
against Rand Paul
Rand Paul
Randal Howard "Rand" Paul is the junior United States Senator for Kentucky. He is a member of the Republican Party. A member of the Tea Party movement, he describes himself as a "constitutional conservative" and a libertarian...
and Secretary of State Trey Grayson
Trey Grayson
Charles Merwin "Trey" Grayson III is the director of the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School, a former Secretary of State of Kentucky and a candidate in the 2010 GOP primary to replace Jim Bunning, losing to Rand Paul.-Early years and career:A product of the Kenton County public school...
. During the campaign, Johnson announced he would be joined by Bob Heft, designer of the 50-star flag, on the campaign trail in Kentucky. Heft joined Johnson for many TEA party events, dinners, and even appeared in a television commercial that aired in the Western Kentucky. Johnson also received the endorsement from former Reagan staffer, and Presidential candidate, Alan Keyes
Alan Keyes
Alan Lee Keyes is an American conservative political activist, author, former diplomat, and perennial candidate for public office. A doctoral graduate of Harvard University, Keyes began his diplomatic career in the U.S...
; who also appeared in commercials as well. Despite spending nearly $250,000 of his own money and internal polling showing him with as much as 20% of the vote, with two months remaining in the campaign, Johnson decided to exit the race due to a lack of financial backing and a poll that showed his support at 5%. Johnson refused to endorse either candidate after aborting his campaign.
Primary for Kentucky Secretary of State
Though originally considering a run for Governor of KentuckyGovernor of Kentucky
The Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky is the head of the executive branch of government in the U.S. state of Kentucky. Fifty-six men and one woman have served as Governor of Kentucky. The governor's term is four years in length; since 1992, incumbents have been able to seek re-election once...
, Johnson declared that he was interested in either running for Secretary of State or State Senate
Kentucky Senate
The Kentucky Senate is the upper house of the Kentucky General Assembly. The Kentucky Senate is composed of 38 members elected from single-member districts throughout the Commonwealth. There are no term limits for Kentucky Senators...
. After several weeks of consulting, on November 8, 2010, Johnson filed to be a candidate for Secretary of State in Kentucky. Signing Johnson's paperwork was Ellen Reitmeyer, a longtime Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kentucky, and the county seat of Jefferson County. Since 2003, the city's borders have been coterminous with those of the county because of a city-county merger. The city's population at the 2010 census was 741,096...
-based campaign manager, and James Young, a former Special Assistant to Secretary of State Trey Grayson.
Shortly after announcing, Johnson launched his campaign in Louisville while announcing his campaign would be surrounded by key legislators such as State Senate Majority Caucus Chair Dan Seum, State Representative
Kentucky House of Representatives
The Kentucky House of Representatives is the lower house of the Kentucky General Assembly. It is composed of 100 Representatives elected from single-member districts throughout the Commonwealth. Not more than two counties can be joined to form a House district, except when necessary to preserve...
Kevin Bratcher, and State Representative Wade Hurt. Though early, Johnson was able to secure the endorsements of many key legislators around the Commonwealth, including U.S Senator Rand Paul. Johnson decided to use the same media firm as Kentucky Gubernatorial candidate and Senate President
President of the Kentucky Senate
President of the Kentucky Senate is an office created by a 1992 amendment to the Constitution of Kentucky. The President of the Senate is the highest ranking officer of that body and presides over the Senate.-History of the office:...
David L. Williams
David L. Williams
David Lewis Williams is a lawyer and politician from the U.S. state of Kentucky. A Republican, he has represented Kentucky's 16th district in the Kentucky Senate since 1987. When Republicans gained control of the state senate in 2000, Williams was chosen as President of the Senate, and he has held...
, Brush Fire Digital of Orlando
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is a city in the central region of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat of Orange County, and the center of the Greater Orlando metropolitan area. According to the 2010 US Census, the city had a population of 238,300, making Orlando the 79th largest city in the United States...
.
One day before the filing deadline, Johnson learned that he would be opposed by Hilda Legg of Somerset
Somerset, Kentucky
The major demographic differences between the city and the micropolitan area relate to income, housing composition and age. The micropolitan area, as compared to the incorporated city, is more suburban in flavor and has a significantly younger housing stock, a higher income, and contains most of...
. Legg unsuccessfully challenged Johnson for the Republican nomination for Secretary of State in the May 17, 2011 primary. Johnson will face Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes
Alison Lundergan Grimes
Alison Lundergan Grimes is an American attorney and Democratic politician who is the Secretary of State of Kentucky-elect, having defeated incumbent Elaine Walker in the May 17, 2011 primary election and Republican Bill Johnson in the November 8, 2011 general election.-Early Life and...
, a Lexington
Lexington, Kentucky
Lexington is the second-largest city in Kentucky and the 63rd largest in the US. Known as the "Thoroughbred City" and the "Horse Capital of the World", it is located in the heart of Kentucky's Bluegrass region...
attorney in the general election.
On January 31, 2011, Johnson announced via Facebook
Facebook
Facebook is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. , Facebook has more than 800 million active users. Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as...
that his campaign would be holding a fundraising reception just a few doors down from outgoing Secretary of State Trey Grayson. Despite being viewed as an outsider, Johnson announced that Senator Jack Westwood of Erlanger
Erlanger, Kentucky
Erlanger is a city in Kenton County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 16,676 at the 2000 census.- Geography :Erlanger is located at ....
and Senator Damon Thayer of Georgetown
Georgetown, Kentucky
Georgetown is a city in Scott County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 29,098 at the 2010 census. The original settlement of Lebanon, founded by Rev. Elijah Craig, was renamed in 1790 in honor of President George Washington. It is the home of Georgetown College, a private liberal arts...
, two highly regarded elected officials in the state, would introduce him at the event. The announcement came in wake of many reports suggesting that Johnson's support may have dried up via Legg's entrance, triggering signals that his campaign may be more active than originally reported.
On February 22, 2011, Johnson faced his opponent for the first time in a Louisville Candidate Forum, sponsored by the Louisville Tea Party
Tea Party movement
The Tea Party movement is an American populist political movement that is generally recognized as conservative and libertarian, and has sponsored protests and supported political candidates since 2009...
and American Family Association
American Family Association
The American Family Association is a 501 non-profit organization that promotes conservative Christian values, such as opposition to same-sex marriage, pornography, and abortion, as well as other public policy goals such as deregulation of the oil industry and lobbying against the Employee Free...
of Kentucky. After the event, 200 likely Republican primary voters were polled on whom they favored in the race for Secretary of State. Johnson won 93% of the vote, suggesting that he was the favorite in the eyes of the Tea Party movement and religious right
Christian right
Christian right is a term used predominantly in the United States to describe "right-wing" Christian political groups that are characterized by their strong support of socially conservative policies...
.
On March 17, 2011, Johnson's campaign announced on their website that they had gained the support of Hal Heiner, who lost a narrow race for Louisville Mayor in 2010. Heiner announced he would be fundraising for Johnson in Louisville, citing his ability to raise over one million dollars in his bid for Louisville Mayor.
On April 27, 2011, media sources close to the campaign revealed that Johnson would be first to launch campaign advertising statewide. James Young, Political Director, confirmed the reports via an interview with reporter Kenny Colston of CN2-Insight. Young revealed that the campaign was running statewide radio commercials in every media market. The 60 second ad touts Johnson's private-sector experience, military background, and push for requiring photo identification at polling places.
On May 17, 2011, Bill Johnson won the Republican nomination for Kentucky Secretary of State. He defeated Hilda Legg by just 1,116 votes statewide. Johnson was outspent nearly 10-1 in his primary victory. Bill Johnson credits the grassroots support of the TEA Party, previous name recognition from his brief run for U.S Senate, and early entry into the race as partially responsible for his win in the Republican primary. On May 18, Hilda Legg declared she would call for a recanvassing of the votes statewide. Legg claimed her supporters urged her to request the recanvass based upon the tightness of the race. In a 51-49% victory, Johnson surprisingly won areas in which he spent very little time including the eastern half of the state, largely represented by Congressman Hal Rogers, a longtime friend of Hilda Legg. With 96% of precincts reporting, Bill Johnson spoke to supporters in Louisville claiming victory at approximately 9:30pm.
Republican Nominee for Kentucky Secretary of State
Despite Hilda Legg calling for a recanvass, the Republican Party of Kentucky went forward with recognizing Bill Johnson as the Republican nominee on Saturday, May 21 during a "Team 2011" Rally featuring Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, U.S Congressman Brett Guthrie, and nominee for Governor & State Senate President David Williams. After a recanvassing of the votes, Bill Johnson was recognized as the Republican nominee for Secretary of State on Thursday, May 26, 2011.Columnists have suggested that Johnson would largely benefit from the loss of TEA Party-backed Gubernatorial candidate Phil Moffett in November. Moffett enjoyed unified support from state TEA Party organizations. With Moffett in the primary, many analysts predict that Johnson will receive the focus of the energy behind the grassroots organizations across Kentucky.
Shortly after the Republican primary, Johnson announced that his campaign would move forward with Lexington businesswoman, Kathy Stocks as the new Campaign Manager. Primary Manager James Young parted ways with the campaign shortly after.
In October 2011, former Secretary of State Trey Grayson announced he disagreed with Johnson's idea of requiring individuals whom identify themselves as homeless to be registered to a literal address rather than the nearest courthouse by default. This triggered Grayson to cancel a fundraising reception in Lexington scheduled to occur just weeks before the General Election.
Numerous October polls showed Bill Johnson trailing Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes by roughly 10% across the state.
On November 8, 2011, Johnson was defeated in the general election by Democrat Alison Lungergan Grimes. Final election results showed Johnson finished with just 39% of total votes cast.
External links
Kentucky Secretary of State Election, 2011Kentucky Secretary of State election, 2011
The state of Kentucky elected a Secretary of State on Tuesday, November 8, 2011. Primaries for this election were held on Tuesday, May 17, 2011. In the general election, Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes defeated the Republican candidate, Bill Johnson.-Background:...