Johnson makes public return in Sioux Falls

Sen. Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) made his return to public life Tuesday, appearing at a “Welcome Home” rally in Sioux Falls, S.D., and thanking his constituents for their support.

Johnson suffered a near-fatal brain hemorrhage last December and has not been seen in public since.

{mosads}His appearance made it clear that he has yet to fully recover, but despite the occasional stutter and overall dull and stilted tone, he spoke lucidly and looked healthy.

After being introduced by several state figures, including Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D) and Gov. Mike Rounds (R) in person and Sen. John Thune (R) via a taped video, Johnson was rolled out on a wheelchair and hoisted himself to the podium with little or no assistance.

“You guys are a sight for sore eyes,” Johnson said to widespread applause.

“It must already be clear to you that my speech is not 100 percent, but doctors tell me that it will get there. In fact, if you ask [my wife] Barb, she will say that I’m already talking too much,” he joked.

Johnson spoke for just more than 10 minutes before stepping back into his wheelchair and being wheeled off. He said he feels like he has a second chance at life and promised to work harder than ever for his state.

He is expected to return to voting in the Senate in the coming weeks.

Rounds, who has been suggested as a possible opponent to Johnson in 2008, stressed the importance of the state’s nonpartisan support for Johnson’s recovery. Johnson has not yet said whether he will run again.

The second-term senator’s recovery will also be featured Tuesday night on the ABC program “Nightline.”