In first public appearance since falling ill, Sen. Tim Johnson speaks 15 minutes to cheering crowd!

[DeepModem Mom]

CNN/AP: August 28, 2007
Johnson intends to return to Senate


Sen. Johnson was assisted by his wife, Barbara, on Tuesday.

SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota (AP) — Sen. Tim Johnson, speaking slowly and slurring some words more than eight months after experiencing a life-threatening brain hemorrhage, announced Tuesday 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 the 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. "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."...

Tuesday's celebration was a carefully choreographed gathering that took on the appearance of a campaign event; choirs, religious leaders and a string of politicians praised Johnson. "It was one of the most moving experiences that I can recall," said former Sen. George McGovern, 85.

Bryan Wellman, a neurosurgeon at Sanford Neurosurgery in Sioux Falls, said he watched the speech on television and was impressed with Johnson's progress. "For what he has dealt with, he has done marvelous," said Wellman, who has never treated the senator. He predicted that Johnson's slurred speech would go away as the weakness in his face got stronger. Wellman also noted that the senator had no problem with names and didn't avoid certain types of words....

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/08/28/johnson-intends-to-return-to-senate/

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NOTE: ABC News is reporting that Senator Johnson will seek re-election in '08.

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/08/johnson-will-ru.html

[onehandle]

1. Excellent! nt

[Olney Blue]

2. Kick it, Tim!

:dem::dem::dem::dem::dem::dem:

[sueh]

3. Here's # 5 to send it to the Greatest page...

Welcome Back, Senator Johnson!!

[Lugnut]

4. Fantastic!

K&R

[Diane R]

5. Finally..some wonderful news in the midst of all the bad news we've had recently.

How thrilling to have Senator Johnson back in the Senate!!

[madfloridian]

6. That was a great show tonight. Brought tears to see Woodruff and Johnson

and the progress they have made.

[2rth2pwr]

7. Welcome Back Tim! nt