It's too soon to speculate on what the loss of Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy could mean to key votes on energy and health-care reform looming in Congress, Sen. Tim Johnson said Wednesday.

"He was a great senator. I think it's too soon to do more than mourn his loss," the South Dakota Democrat said. "America will need more Ted Kennedys in the future."

The Democrats in the Senate might also need Kennedy's vote on pending legislation, particularly if it requires the 60 votes often necessary to pass important bills.

But Johnson wouldn't talk about that Wednesday during a tour of the Fort Meade Veterans Affairs Medical Center with Democratic Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin and U.S. Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki. Instead, Johnson wanted to praise Ted Kennedy the friend who showed up at Johnson's Senate office soon after the senator was stricken in December 2006 by a brain hemorrhage caused by an abnormal cluster of vessels in the brain called an arteriovenous malformation.

"He was the first one to stop by when I had the AVM," Johnson said. "He came by with his dogs and lobster rolls."

Johnson also recalled when his son, Brooks, was serving in combat in Iraq and Kennedy called to talk father to father.

"He called to say he was proud of Brooks," Johnson said.

Herseth Sandlin also took a moment during the Fort Meade tour to praise Kennedy for his long-standing commitment to "fairness and justice." She said he was able to differ strongly with other senators and be tough in negotiations without getting personal, a quality that should be emulated more often in Congress.

In a statement released by her office, Herseth Sandlin said: "His life was dedicated to ensuring equality, justice and fairness and his contributions, through decades of public service, are indelible."

Herseth Sandlin also sent her condolences to the Kennedy family, including her House colleague Democratic Rep. Patrick Kennedy of Rhode Island, Ted Kennedy's son.

Republican Sen. John Thune also issued a statement on Kennedy's death, calling the senator an effective advocate for his beliefs who won respect from both parties.

"Although we didn't always agree, I admired his service to this country and dedication to the causes he championed," Thune said. "Kimberley and I will keep Mrs. Kennedy and the rest of the Kennedy family in our prayers."

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