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SD Senator's Re-Election Bid in Good Health

GOP foe aside, state rallies behind Johnson after brain hemorrhage

By Gabriel Winant,  Newser User

Posted Oct 23, 2008 11:36 AM CDT

(Newser) – Despite efforts by his Republican challenger to raise the issue of his health, Sen. Tim Johnson looks to be comfortably ahead in his South Dakota re-election bid despite effects of a 2006 brain hemorrhage that often confine him to a wheelchair, the New York Times reports. “We’re a loyal state,” one resident said, despite his own concerns, “so people will back Johnson.”

Johnson’s opponent, a conservative state representative, says voters “want some evidence as to whether he can hold his own” since the hemorrhage. But South Dakotans seem understanding of the senator’s condition, and ready to give him the benefit of the doubt. “I don’t care what Johnson’s voice sounds like,” says one voter. “His record speaks for itself.”

Sen. Tim Johnson undergoes physical therapy at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington; the South Dakota Democrat suffered a brain hemorrhage in December 2006.
Sen. Tim Johnson undergoes physical therapy at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington; the South Dakota Democrat suffered a brain hemorrhage in December 2006.   (AP Photo)
Sen. Tim Johnson was re-elected in 2002 by a 524-vote margin and was a top target for the GOP before he fell ill.
Sen. Tim Johnson was re-elected in 2002 by a 524-vote margin and was a top target for the GOP before he fell ill.   (AP Photo)
SD Sen. Tim Johnson, often confined to a wheelchair following a brain hemorrhage in December 2006, seems likely to be re-elected, though his GOP foe has raised the issue of his health recently.
SD Sen. Tim Johnson, often confined to a wheelchair following a brain hemorrhage in December 2006, seems likely to be re-elected, though his GOP foe has raised the issue of his health recently.   (AP Photo)
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South Dakota is a very kind state. People were rooting for Tim—Democrats, Republicans, independents— they wanted him to be OK. - Steve Jarding, Johnson's campaign manager

I have a lot of respect for Johnson. But I don’t think he’s physically able to compete. - Jack Lefler, 72-year-old retired Caterpillar worker, SD resident

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