Ailing Senator Makes First Public Appearance Since Falling Ill

Wednesday, August 29th 2007, 7:23 am

By: News On 6

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) _ In his first public appearance since a life-threatening brain hemorrhage eight months ago, Sen. Tim Johnson told supporters his will to keep fighting for them ``has never been stronger.''

He went further in an interview broadcast hours later on Tuesday, telling ABC News' ``Nightline'' reporter Bob Woodruff he would run for re-election in 2008.

``I expect to run and to win,'' Johnson said in slurred, halting speech.

Whether the 60-year-old Democrat does seek re-election or not _ his spokeswoman Julianne Fisher said no official decision has been made _ he has come a long way since suffering the brain hemorrhage and undergoing emergency surgery last December.

Johnson 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 speech clearly showed the effects of the trauma, but he used his sense of humor to assure supporters he will be back in the Senate soon. Aides said he is expected to return Sept. 5.

``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.''

Johnson's hemorrhage came a month after November elections that gave the Democrats a one-seat majority in the Senate, and the attack raised the possibility that, if he died or resigned, GOP Gov. Mike Rounds would appoint a Republican successor and return the Senate to that party's control.

Tuesday's celebration was a carefully choreographed gathering that took on the appearance of a campaign event. It featured choirs, religious leaders and a string of politicians who praised Johnson.

Rounds said that while national political observers focused on how Johnson's illness could affect the party balance, people at home focused on Johnson.

``They talked about 'what ifs.' But not in South Dakota,'' he said. ``We talked about Tim and his family. We talked about the challenges ahead, and we prayed.''

In videotaped remarks, Johnson's South Dakota colleague, Republican Sen. John Thune, called him a ``valued colleague and friend.''

``Tim, I look forward to seeing you back in Washington,'' Thune said.

Bryan Wellman, a neurosurgeon at Sanford Neurosurgery in Sioux Falls, said he watched Johnson's 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 subsides. Wellman also noted that the senator had no problem with names and didn't avoid certain types of words.

During his recovery, Johnson 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.

Democrats hope Johnson's lingering physical ailments won't dissuade voters from supporting him.

Two Republicans have said they will seek Johnson's seat: state Rep. Joel Dykstra and Sam Kephart, a self-employed businessman.

Kephart wished Johnson and his family well Tuesday but he didn't shy from taking shots, criticizing the senator's usually soft-spoken demeanor.

``It's not a time for quiet politics,'' Kephart said. ``It's a time for building bridges and leading with your chin and taking risks.''

Nevada Sen. John Ensign, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, has said Johnson is still a GOP target next year. Johnson won re-election in 2002 by just 524 votes.

By the end of June, Senate colleagues had raised $1.3 million for a possible re-election bid. Campaign money paid for Tuesday's celebration, held in a packed ballroom.

Johnson was rushed from his Senate office to George Washington University Hospital in December after becoming disoriented on a conference call with reporters.

He underwent emergency surgery for arteriovenous malformation, a condition that causes arteries and veins in the brain to grow abnormally large, become tangled and sometimes burst.