Johnson makes first public appearance since falling ill

By Carson Walker, Associated Press Writer | Tuesday, August 28, 2007

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SIOUX FALLS — Saying he struggled physically with some words but also emotionally to find the right words to thank South Dakotans, U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson made his first public appearance Tuesday since a brain hemorrhage nine months ago.

And while he hinted at a possible re-election bid to those gathered, he was even more definitive in an interview with ABC News.

He came out from behind a curtain in a wheelchair, stood up to the lectern and gave a prepared speech that lasted about 15 minutes.

His face and his speech clearly showed the effects of the trauma, but he used his sense of humor to assure supporters he’ll return to the Senate as early as next week to represent the state.

“Hard work is something in which I take great pride. So, let me say this tonight going forward: I am back,” Johnson, D-S.D., 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.”

Johnson waved his left arm to the crowd and then stood at the podium, prompting cheers and applause. He read his entire speech and spoke out at a measured pace. Some words were slurred and difficult to understand, but he peppered his remarks with self-deprecating humor.

Johnson said it’s been a long journey home — one that has taken longer than many people — including himself — have liked.

Paraphrasing a sports cliche, Johnson said good progress for him has been “an inch and a cloud of dust.” He thanked his doctors and therapists for getting him through the darkest moments of his life.

Tuesday’s celebration was a carefully choreographed gathering that took on the appearance of a campaign event.

Johnson is expected to return to the Senate for votes next week, according to spokeswoman Julianne Fisher. His return comes almost nine months after he fell ill in the Capitol.

The senator hinted that he would run for re-election.

“My will to keep fighting for you has never been stronger,” he said.

At one point, someone in the audience yelled out, “six more years.”

Bryan Wellman, a neurosurgeon at Sanford Neurosurgery in Sioux Falls, watched the speech on television and said he thought the senator did a good job considering he had endured a life-threatening condition.

Wellman said Johnson made good strides during his recovery. “For what he has dealt with, he has done marvelous,” the doctor said.

He said it seems as if the weakness on the right side of his face is causing Johnson’s speech to be slurred. As he gets stronger, the slurring should go away, Wellman said.

He noted that the senator had no problem with names and didn’t avoid certain types of words.

Local choirs, religious leaders and a string of politicians praised Johnson.

Some Democrats say Johnson’s physical recovery won’t hurt him politically.

“I think people are worried he won’t run,” said lobbyist Bill Daugherty, adding that any Republican challenger will have a tough time.

“If they think they’re going to beat him, they’ve got big problems,” he said.

Businesswoman Linda Barker said most people have seen family and friends recover from illnesses and the situation with Johnson is no different.

“I’m just glad to see him back, and I think a lot of people are. If Tim wants to have it, it’s his to have,” she said.

Two Republicans have said they plan to seek Johnson’s seat, state Rep. Joel Dykstra and Sam Kephart.

Kephart wished Johnson and his family well Tuesday but he didn’t shy away from criticizing the senator’s usually soft-spoken demeanor.

“It’s not a time for quiet politics,” Kephart said. “It’s a time for building bridges and leading with your chin and taking risks.”

Johnson was rushed from his Senate office to George Washington University Hospital Dec. 13 after becoming disoriented on a conference call with reporters. He underwent emergency surgery for arteriovenous malformation, a condition that causes arteries and veins in the brain to grow abnormally large, become tangled and sometimes burst.

Senate colleagues had raised $1.3 million for Johnson’s possible re-election bid by the end of June.

Campaign money paid for the celebration in a packed convention center ballroom.

Gov. Mike Rounds said Tuesday that though the focus nationally was on the party balance, at home it was on Johnson.

“They talked about ‘what ifs.’ But not in South Dakota,” he said. “We talked about Tim and his family. We talked about the challenges ahead and we prayed.”

U.S. Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., who lost to Johnson in 2002 by 524 votes, was out of the country but gave taped remarks. U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, D-S.D., spoke about Johnson as a friend.

“Today, Tim, the celebration is for you. An entire state welcomes you home,” she said, choking back tears.