Republicans looking to define their political opposition as being soft on criminals were served up some perfect material for future campaign ads when a Wisconsin State Democrat dropped an f-bomb on the suburbs in a profanity-laced rant during a Senate debate on crime spreading from the inner city and the need for more funding for law enforcement.
In a heated moment that was captured on video and has since gone viral on Twitter, Wisconsin Sen. LaTonya Johnson, whose district includes parts of urban Milwaukee, an area that is rife with violent crime, spouted her disrespectful response that many feel was beneath the dignity of an elected official, especially for the Senate floor.
“F**k the suburbs because they don’t know a godd*mn thing about how life is in the city,” Johnson said.
Wisconsin State Senator LaTonya Johnson says “fuck the suburbs” on the senate floor during a debate on crime spilling from cities to suburbs.
pic.twitter.com/YvlJy57uda— Greg Price (@greg_price11) June 29, 2023
Reporter Scott Bauer of the Associated Press provided the context for Johnson’s foul-mouthed outburst, noting that “Cursing on the floor of the Senate and Assembly is certainly not unprecedented, but it is highly unusual.”
Cursing on the floor of the Senate and Assembly is certainly not unprecedented, but it is highly unusual
Democratic Sen. @TimCarpenterMKE praised Johnson for giving an impassioned description of concerns about violence and policing in Milwaukee
— Scott Bauer (@sbauerAP) June 28, 2023
Unsurprisingly, Johnson’s profane remarks drew a strong reaction from many, including Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney.
“.@StateSenLaTonya, many don’t know what it’s like to live in Milwaukee. I’m grateful to live in a safe community and I want those that live in Milwaukee to experience that same level of safety. To not fear shootings, reckless drivers, car jackings, etc. I pray we agree on this,” Toney wrote on Twitter.
.@StateSenLaTonya, many don’t know what it’s like to live in Milwaukee. I’m grateful to live in a safe community and I want those that live in Milwaukee to experience that same level of safety. To not fear shootings, reckless drivers, car jackings, etc. I pray we agree on this. https://t.co/hsNRSSKkTf
— Eric Toney (@EricJToney) June 29, 2023
Steve Schuster, managing editor of the Wisconsin Law Journal called for Sen. Johnson to step down in an editorial published after her rant.
“What if a suburban senator said, ‘F-ck the city.’ How would that play in Milwaukee? Dialogues like this is not only counter-productive to the values of the senator’s constituents, but also is far out of alignment with the value of all Wisconsinites,” he wrote.
Editorial: LaTonya Johnson should resign from office, Wisconsin deserves better. https://t.co/4aZb08hG7A
— WisLawJournal (@WisLawJournal) June 29, 2023
“Hate for the suburbs or anyone or any place in Wisconsin has no home here. Resign Sen. LaTonya Johnson, Wisconsin doesn’t have the time for your hate and lack of civility,” Schuster added.
Other reactions to Sen. Johnson’s uncouth remarks could not define Democrats more perfectly.
I, for one, hope that Wisconsin Democrats fully embrace this new “fuck the suburbs” initiative.
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) June 29, 2023
Most peeps in the burbs know exactly what life is like in the city. That’s why they live in the burbs!!
— The Novice (@Andsing49) June 29, 2023
I grew up on the east side of Milwaukee and moved to the suburbs of Verona just outside Madison. Most that lived in the city @StateSenLaTonya KNOW what it’s like, which is why we moved. Apparently you can take LaTonya out of the ghetto, but can’t take the ghetto out of the girl
— Colleen (@colleen0629) June 30, 2023
New Democrat slogan just dropped: “fuck the suburbs” https://t.co/jESz5fILuW
— Marie Oakes (@TheMarieOakes) June 29, 2023
The face of leadership in 2023 it’s absolutely pathetic
— Kate Austin (@KateAus1976) June 29, 2023
That’s a nice sound bite for her next opponent.
— Bernard (@BBD100) June 29, 2023
What a wonderful, classy and educated government representative. Wisconsin should be proud of the choice they made!
— Ana D (@AnaDowey2) June 29, 2023
Nope. She *wants* to bring the same misery found in the city to the suburbs. After all, she probably believes they deserve it.
— slyventure (@slyventure771) June 30, 2023
What a campaign slogan. Dems need to fully embrace this.
— D Block (@Dhmcgrath77) June 29, 2023
well, that’s one way to unite people
— Skyler Packard (@PackardSkyler) June 29, 2023
You get what you vote for…
— YOLOSoGetUp (@ScYolo_2022) June 29, 2023
“Senator Johnson spoke passionately to defend the communities she represents. Republicans who continuously weopanize [sic] and villinize [sic] the people of Milwaukee without accountability need to answer for constantly legislating racism,” tweeted one Democrat Wisconsin state lawmaker who came to Johnson’s defense. “These absurd times in state gov call for real talk.”
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