Other issues and positions

Johnson has an “A” rating from the National Rifle Association and would not commit his support to gun-control reforms proposed by the Obama administration. Rather, he said, gun violence should be addressed with more mental health funding and enforcing current gun laws.

“I believe in the Second Amendment,” he said.

A former chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party, he was an unsuccessful 2012 candidate for the 103rd district in the Michigan House of Representatives.

To ease U.P. consumer power costs, Johnson said he would lead and effort to develop a long-term energy plan that includes all aspects of energy production and consumption.

“We’re paying high rates because our leaders are not looking ahead,” he said. “I will be that kind of leader (that looks ahead).”

The decision to close the White Pine power plant was “sprung” on U.P. consumers and offers no backup solution.

“I’m not convinced that shutting down White Pine (so suddenly) guarantees the reliability we need,” he said.

– Vanessa Dietz and Craig Peterson