[The Great RJ]

I am greatly surprised that Giffords didn't just run again and get elected with a huge sympathy vote. South Dakota Senator Tim Johnson suffered a severe stroke in December 2006 that left him absent from his Senate seat until mid 2007. He ran for reelection in 2008, but to conceal the impairment from his stroke made no campaign appearances other than brief highly scripted events, refused to participate in any debates with his challenger and even was absent from a series of major political forums where other members of the South Dakota delegation participated. He was reelected virtually without campaigning. While his health has improved he still will not appear in any forums or debates which would reveal his disabilities. Johnson who was a more moderate Democrat made a hard turn to the left after his stroke and voted for Obamacare and Carbon Cap and Trade both highly unpopular in South Dakota.

[TNCMAXQ]

You think Johnson would run yet again in 2014?? I suppose the Dems will beg him too since if he retires this means a possible GOP pickup. If he does run then I hope they don’t let him win uncontested again.

[Clintonfatigued]

Is Tim Johnson expected to run for reelection again in 2014? I’ve read that Mike Rounds or Krist Noem may run that year, regardless of Johnson’s condition.

[kabar]

I am greatly surprised that Giffords didn't just run again and get elected with a huge sympathy vote.

From what I have seen and read, Giffords is in much worse shape than Johnson. Her appearances have been very carefully scripted and orchestrated. I think she has serious difficulties intellectually and physically. The Dems kept up this charade for a long time even suggesting that she might run for senator to fill Kyl's seat when he retires this year.

IMO Johnson should retire but the Dems don't want to lose the seat.