With all-but-obligatory candidate debates looming on the campaign trail ahead, South Dakota Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson continues the painfully slow work of regaining the speech he lost after a brain hemorrhage 15 months ago.

And that could be an issue when Johnson comes face to face with a campaign challenger in a well-scrutinized public exchange.

Jon Schaff, a professor of political science at Northern State University in Aberdeen, said debates are likely to become a major campaign issue for Johnson only if the second-term Senate incumbent has a "credible opponent" and the Senate race is reasonably close. Then, Johnson's speech challenges could loom larger in the minds of voters, Schaff said.

"Sen. Johnson has all the mental faculties he's always had. But he does have problems with his ability to speak. So articulating his thoughts might be an issue," Schaff said. "Obviously, that makes debates a big risk for him. If he has trouble speaking in public, it might raise doubts about his ability to serve, rightly or wrongly."

A challenger would be advised to handle the issue delicately, however, Schaff said.

"Yes, a Republican can score points on this, although the Republican would be a fool to draw direct attention to it," he said. "Let people draw their own conclusions."

Typically, challengers love debates. They want more face-to-face opportunities to attack the record of an incumbent, while incumbents prefer to limit the number and control the format of debates - along with their potential for negative public exposure.

Since Johnson doesn't have a primary challenger, the debate question will wait until the general election campaign is in full swing, probably in late summer or early fall. That's about when a GOP challenger should expect to get his first debate opportunity with the incumbent, state Rep. Joel Dykstra of Canton said.

Dykstra is one of three declared Republican Senate candidates in the primary election. Spearfish businessman Sam Kephart also is in the race, as is former retired real-estate agent and former U.S. State Department official Bert Tollefson of Sioux Falls.

Dykstra, who has been campaigning in the Black Hills this week, said Thursday that he doesn't think state voters will want much campaigning before mid-August. The campaign season often gets rolling with candidate appearances at Dakotafest, a large agricultural exposition held each August in a field near Mitchell.

"I think most people aren't really paying attention until Labor Day," Dykstra said.

When the time does come, Johnson should be ready and willing to participate in a series of debates in different parts of the state, Dykstra said.

"I think that provides more public access. Putting the candidates head to head in front of a camera serves the public well," he said.

Johnson has been inconsistent in his personal responses to reporters since he returned to the Senate last September after nine months of treatment and recovery in a hospital, rehabilitation center and his home. And he has not been inclined to respond in detail to campaign questions, saying he continues to focus on Senate duties and his rehabilitation and will deal with the campaign in coming months.

But Johnson also has said he expects to participate in campaign debates. And campaign manager Steve Jarding admitted that the rehabilitation process for Johnson is frustrating for the senator and much slower than he wants.

But doctors continue to be impressed with Johnson's progress, Jarding said. He believes the senator will perform well in debates in spite of his speech limitations.

"I've not given 30 seconds of thought to the debates. That's so far off. When it comes into play, we'll deal with it," Jarding said. "He has a well-earned reputation as someone who knows the issues and works tirelessly. I think he'll do fine."

Dykstra said voters deserve a number of chances to judge for themselves.

"Sen. Johnson clearly believes he is capable of performing at a very high level in the U.S. Senate, where debate is the standard - and required for the work they do there," Dykstra said. "I think the people understand that."

Contact Kevin Woster at 394-8413 or kevin.woster@rapidcityjournal.com