Johnson digs Senate GOP leadership in bid to join it

“We advance conservative principles by communicating these facts and figures [on the deficit] to the American people, not by negotiating in secret with those who have absolutely no interest in reducing the size, scope, and cost government,” Johnson in an interview published by the conservative Heritage Foundation on Monday. “We need to show the American people how severe the problem is and what we would propose as solutions.”

Johnson is currently locked in a fierce battle with Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) for the least senior position in Republican leadership. Johnson identifies with the Tea Party movement while Blunt is more closely aligned with party establishment.

In the interview, Johnson also suggested that the 2012 elections would be enormously important for the future of the country. 

“Time is running out,” Johnson said. “The 2012 election must be a mandate election. It is time for America to choose. Conservatives must provide the American people with the information that will persuade them to choose the right path … the path that relies on limited government, individual freedom and the wonder and power of a free-market system.”