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U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin speaks during a Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and Senate Committee on Rules and Administration joint hearing Wednesday, March 3.(Photo: Greg Nash, Associated Press)

More than 100 conservative voters and activists packedtheballroom atthe Hampton Inn and Suites in West Allis on Saturday morning to hear from Republican politicians and conservative leaders as the party looks ahead to coming elections.

At one point, Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson was asked by a West Allis resident how to get conservatives to vote and run for office.

Talk about what the Democrats are doing to this country, Johnson said. Are we (Republicans) perfect? No. Not even close.

Johnson paused, then joked that he probably should not have said Republicans arentprefect.

We may not be perfect,but they are awful, I mean awful, Johnsonsaid to applause. Ill use good words:We may be bad, but they are so much worse. I know thats not the greatest selling point but when youtake a lookat what is at stake, I mean,freedom.

Johnson then went on to saythere is a radical bunch that has taken controlof the Democratic Party and, right now, the levels of government.

The exchange was part of a Conservative Political EducationConference on Saturday, an event designed to whip up support as the party looks ahead to the 2022 midterms.

Johnsons seat is up for election in 2022, along with Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, which is likely going to put a spotlight on Wisconsin.Democrats have already circled Johnson's seat as a major race to win.

Johnson was asked the question he must hear daily: Is he running for reelection?

I have not made my decision, that is true.I know what my wife wants me to do, Johnsonsaid, and the crowd laughed. I am not making a decision for quite some time and I dont have to.

U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil toldthe crowd he thinks Johnson is going to run for reelection.

I think hes doing a great job on our behalf in Washington, D.C.," Steil said. "But if its him or whomever, we need to hold that seat. We need to replace Gov. Evers with a conservative governor whosefightingon our behalfto help get our way of life back.

Talk radio hostBrian Schimming, former vice-chair of the Republican Party of Wisconsin,said the race for Johnsons seat was critical to the party and the country.

Its not hyperbole to say that Ron Johnsons seat may decide control of the U.S. Senate, Schimming said, adding he is not anxious for Johnson to decide to run or not. Theres enormous grassroots support for Ron to run again, enormous ... I would say thatwhat hes told me and others that its 50/50.

Schimming was impressed with the crowd that showed up onSaturday.

Schimming acknowledged there may be some frustrationwithin Republican ranks after the results of the 2020 election.

Theres been some ofthatbut Ill tell you, though, theres been a ton of energy, Schimming said.

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Republican activists gather with an eye toward midterm elections, with Ron Johnson's seat top of mind - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel