Sioux Falls, S.D. – 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 to a cheering crowd after being wheeled to the podium and rising to his feet at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.
The state’s senior senator told the crowd he was grateful for getting a second chance at life.
“I will take that second chance and work harder than ever and be the very best that I can be for each and every South Dakotan,” said Johnson, who has not officially said whether he is running for re-election in 2008.
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. He fell ill in the Capitol in mid-December.
During his recovery, John- son remained in the Washington area but made no public appearances. He has been undergoing speech and physical therapy and is expected to use a scooter to travel longer distances in the Capitol.
