Posted on 08/28/2007 10:31:28 AM PDT by SmithL
WASHINGTON (AP) -- After a life-threatening brain hemorrhage and months of recuperation, Sen. Tim Johnson is greeting home state voters Tuesday in his first public appearance since falling ill last year.
Johnson, D-S.D., is expected to return to the Senate for votes in early September, according to spokeswoman Julianne Fisher. His return comes almost nine months after he fell ill in the Capitol.
Tuesday's celebration in Sioux Falls is a carefully choreographed gathering that could take on the appearance of a campaign event — Johnson is up for re-election next year but has not yet said whether he will run again.
The event is bipartisan, though, with South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds, a Republican, planning to attend. The state's other U.S. senator, Republican John Thune, prepared a taped greeting for the event.
During his recovery, Johnson, 60, remained in the Washington, D.C. 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 are hoping 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.
Republicans, however, will be watching his appearance closely. Two have said they would seek Johnson's seat: state Rep. Joel Dykstra and Sam Kephart, a self-employed businessman.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
I’m glad he’s doing better, but he needs to retire.
He’ll probably bump a few guys in the restroom.
I don’t see how he can go back to DC. I had a major brain hemorrhage 21 months ago. I’m finally leaving to work because of the brain pain this morning. His previous life is over and he must do what is best for himself, not his party.
I’m guessing he’ll serve in a limited capacity till his term is over....maybe part-time, a few days a week....
No wait, isn’t that the usual schedule for most congresspersons? (sarcasm)
Seriously, I wish him and you well.
Since most Senators pretend to work I don’t see the possible additional strain.
Seriously, I bet you have worked alot harder then him in your lifetime.
My understanding is that Senator Johnson is under a lot of pressure from Harry Ried to run next year.
Only in the state of MA.
Run? Heck...he can hardly walk or talk.
Most of the analyses I’ve seen indicate that he is expected to run again. Hard to believe. Even if he feels well you’d think after a brush with death like that he would want to retire. If he should step down Rep Stephanie Herseth would probably be a very strong contender for the Dems anyway. Though the up side of that is her House seat could be won.
Unfortunately it looks like SD and LA are the only chances for GOP pick ups next year and those are long shots at best. Meanwhile several Republican held seats are in grave danger of being lost.
He must look pretty bad then.
Hey tim..... better be careful when changing planes in minnesota.
I agree. I hope he is better and he does need to retire.
What are you talking about he’s served in a limited capacity ever since he went to DC.
I glad he’s doing better, but he should just retire and take it easy at this point. Life in the Senate could cause more brain damage...
And I bet if he appears at te State Of The Union speech next January President Bush will be kind towards him in his speech and welcome him back to the Senate. And the dems will respond with hate and only hate.
It was quite a contrast on the network news last night. Film of Larry Craig in front of the microphones screeching “I am not a homosexual” and then a cut to Tim Johnson bravely walking up to the podium to thank the people of South Dakota for their thoughts and prayers. I swear that the Dems get most of their ammunition from us.
I'm beginning to think that major brain damage is a prerequisite for Senators. Especially Republican ones.
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