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‘I am back,’ ailing senator tells South Dakotans

U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., looks at his wife, Barbara, at a welcome home ceremony Tuesday in Sioux Falls, S.D., eight months after he experienced a life-threatening brain hemorrhage. Associated Press (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
Carson Walker Associated Press
U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., looks at his wife, Barbara, at a welcome home ceremony Tuesday in Sioux Falls, S.D., eight months after he experienced a life-threatening brain hemorrhage. Associated Press (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Sen. Tim Johnson, speaking slowly and slurring some words more than eight months after experiencing a life-threatening brain hemorrhage, announced Tuesday to constituents: “I am back.”

In his first public appearance since falling ill, the 60-year-old Democrat spoke for about 15 minutes to a cheering crowd at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. As the state’s senior senator was brought out in a wheelchair, he waved his left arm to the crowd, then rose to his feet.

Johnson’s face and his speech clearly showed the effects of the trauma, but he used his sense of humor to assure supporters he will be back in the Senate soon. Aides said he is expected to return Sept. 5.

“Hard work is something in which I take great pride. So, let me say this tonight going forward: I am back,” he said to loud applause.

“Of course, I believe I have an unfair edge over most of my colleagues right now. My mind works faster than my mouth does. Washington would probably be a better place if more people took a moment to think before they spoke.”

The senator, who has not officially said whether he is running for re-election in 2008, hinted he would. “My will to keep fighting for you has never been stronger,” he said.

Still, Johnson spokeswoman Julianne Fisher said no official decision has been made.

The senator was stricken a month after November elections that gave the Democrats a one-seat majority in the Senate, and the attack raised the possibility that, if Johnson died or resigned, GOP Gov. Mike Rounds would appoint a Republican successor and return the Senate to that party’s control.

During his recovery, Johnson remained in the Washington area but made no public appearances. He has been undergoing speech and physical therapy and is expected to use a scooter to travel longer distances in the Capitol.

Democrats hope Johnson’s lingering physical ailments won’t dissuade voters from supporting him.

“I think it’s less how you look and more about how you care and how much you can connect with voters,” said Democratic consultant Jenny Backus, who does not work for Johnson.