After illness, Tim Johnson returns to Senate 'family'

Sen. Tim Johnson returns to Senate with wife Barbara to his left. Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images

by William Neikirk

Eight months after suffering a crippling brain hemorrhage, Sen. Tim Johnson returned to the Senate today amid applause and praise from colleagues from both parties.

The South Dakota Democrat spoke haltingly and with a slight slurring of his words as he stood at the podium to declare: "It's great to be home."

He said he felt that his life had been spared and he had been given a second chance, vowing to "work harder than ever to be the best I can be for my state and my nation."

There was a hush as he spoke in the crowded chamber. "It must be already clear that my speech is not 100 percent," he said. "My doctors tell me that I will get there. But my thoughts are clear and my mind is sharp, and I am here to be a voice for South Dakota."

Johnson's return is important for the Democrats, in that his seat enables them to have the majority. But he has been unable to vote for months.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) praised Johnson's grit and determination, and noted that while he was away, the GOP did not attempt to take partisan advantage of his absence.

"Amid the daily scuffles that take place here in the Senate, many people may not realize it, but we are a family," Reid said. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill), the No. 2 leader, echoed that the family theme.

Johnson's colleague from South Dakota, Republican Sen. John Thune, credited Johnson's "strong Scandinavian background" as well as family support and best wishes and prayers from around the nation, for his recovery. Thune said, "We have learned to put differences aside."

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), the GOP leader, credited Johnson's wife, Barbara, and other members of his family. His wife was in the Senate gallery watching the welcome.

And now Johnson must decide whether to seek re-election. He gave no clue at the ceremonies today, although he seemed ready to return to work. He told reporters he would work several days a week.

One of his tasks will be chairman of the Senate Ethics Committee.

Durbin said Johnson would soon be back in the Appropriations Committee working for South Dakota.

The Illinois senator said Johnson is "not a typical politician" who does not seek media attention. But now he's got it, Durbin said.

"He is one of those tough, flinty-skinned Scandinavians, not really flashy, but solid," Durbin said.

Johnson said he will "return to work with a renewed spirit and focus."