Senator Tim Johnson, seen yesterday with his daughter, Kelsey, and granddaughter, Trualem, in Sioux Falls, S.D., made his first public appearance after suffering a brain hemorrhage.
(Dick Lammers/associated press)
Ailing senator announces his return
South Dakotan hints at '08 run
Senator Tim Johnson, seen yesterday with his daughter, Kelsey, and granddaughter, Trualem, in Sioux Falls, S.D., made his first public appearance after suffering a brain hemorrhage.
(Dick Lammers/associated press)
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Senator Tim Johnson, speaking slowly and slurring some words more than eight months after experiencing a life-threatening brain hemorrhage, announced yesterday to state residents: "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 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 return to the Senate as early as next week.
"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.
The senator, who has not officially said whether he is running for reelection in 2008, hinted he would. "My will to keep fighting for you has never been stronger," he said.
Johnson was rushed from his Senate office to George Washington University Hospital in December after becoming disoriented during a conference call with reporters.
He underwent emergency surgery for arteriovenous malformation.
© Copyright 2007 Globe Newspaper Company.
