U.S. Senator Ron Johnson released a statement on Mar. 11 addressing the Eastern District Court’s decision not to extend Brad Schimel’s appointment as U.S. attorney.
The issue is significant because it highlights ongoing challenges in filling key federal positions, with Johnson pointing to what he described as obstruction by Senate Democrats in the nomination and confirmation process for U.S. attorneys across the country.
“It is bizarre that the Eastern District Court writes that they view Brad Schimel as performing well as an interim U.S. attorney but then declines to appoint him for the duration of the vacancy — especially when they are fully aware that Senate Democrats are obstructing the nomination and confirmation of U.S. attorneys throughout the country,” Johnson said in his statement.
Johnson also expressed disappointment with the court’s decision and called on Attorney General Pam Bondi to use available authorities to keep Schimel in charge of the office. “I am obviously disappointed in their decision. I encourage Attorney General Pam Bondi to utilize available authorities to keep Brad in charge of the U.S. attorney’s office,” he said.
He further stated his intention to work with Senator Baldwin to reconvene the Wisconsin Federal Nominating Commission, noting past difficulties: “Last year, the commission failed to produce recommendations for Wisconsin’s U.S. attorney offices because some commissioners refused to evaluate certain applicants based solely on their qualifications.” Johnson urged commissioners “not to inject partisan politics into their important work.”
Johnson has a history of electoral success in Wisconsin, having defeated Mandela Barnes in 2022 with 50.4% of the vote compared to Barnes’ 49.4%, according to official election results. He previously won against Russ Feingold in both 2016 and 2010, securing victories with 50.2% and 51.9% of votes respectively.
