Meet the Lawmaker: Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.)

What did you want to be when you were young?
Sen. Johanns: A farmer.

What’s your biggest political achievement?
Sen. Johanns: Mental health reform as [Nebraska] governor is right at the top of the list. As [U.S. Agriculture] secretary, it would be the listening sessions with farmers and ranchers across the country that led to a reformed Farm Bill proposal.

After a long night of late votes, how do you unwind?
Sen. Johanns: If it’s a long night, [I] go to bed.

What is something that shocked you about how Congress operates?
Sen. Johanns: You know, I had been here three years, so nothing shocked me.

What’s your favorite hobby?
Sen. Johanns: I love to walk. I love to read. Stephanie and I love to walk and walk. If I could walk 10 miles a day, I would, but time doesn’t permit that.

What household chore do you dislike?
Sen. Johanns: I don’t dislike any household chores.

Who’s your favorite Democrat?
Sen. Johanns: [Sen.] Tom Carper’s [D-Del.] been a friend for years, because we were governors together.

Finish this sentence: My favorite place in the whole world is …
Sen. Johanns: Probably two. One would be in the Scottsbluff [Neb.] area — very, very beautiful. And the other would be in the Pine Ridge [Neb.] area. Obviously, Nebraska would be my favorite place.

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