Ailing Senator Raises Money

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Washington Post/Associated Press

Ailing Senator Raises Money

By MARY CLARE JALONICK
The Associated Press
Friday, July 13, 2007; 1:07 PM

WASHINGTON -- Ailing Sen. Tim Johnson of South Dakota has raised more this year than he did during the same period six years ago, even though he hasn't set foot in the Senate since suffering a life-threatening brain hemorrhage in December.

Johnson, a Democrat who is up for re-election next year, has been recovering in the hospital and at home since Dec. 13. It is still unclear when he will return to the Senate and whether he will run for re-election.

But his Senate colleagues have cleared his way by holding multiple fundraisers, ultimately raising $1.3 million for him this year. That's about $300,000 more than he raised in the first six months of 2001, the year before his last election.

"It shows another robust quarter and that things are on track and moving forward," said Julianne Fisher, a spokeswoman for the senator. She said there is still no timeline for his return and he will decide whether to run after he gets back.



Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/13/AR2007071300985.html

[napi21]

1. I read a post the other day that said he's hoping to be back in the

Senate sometime after the next recess (August I think). Every report says he's doing fine and getting better every day. I wish him well and hope to see him soon!

[williesgirl]

2. Good news. We need him back and healthy, not worrying about fundraising. recommended

[semillama]

3. Once again, the media makes it sound like he's weak and dying

Wouldn't "recovering" be more accurate?

Of course, I don't think that accuracy is even on the radar of most people in the media these days.