Sen. Johnson will not participate in campaign debates

Sen. Tim Johnson (D-S.D.), who suffered from a brain hemorrhage more than a year and a half ago and has been answering questions about his health ever since, announced Friday that he will not participate in any political debates during his reelection campaign.

“I have been open and honest about my recovery.  While my speech continues to improve it is not yet 100 percent and I have not yet reached a point in my rehab where my participation in a debate would accurately reflect my capabilities,” Johnson said in a statement. “Therefore I will not participate in traditional political debates during this campaign."

{mosads}Republican candidate Joel Dykstra had accepted a debate invitation from KELO-LAND TV scheduled for Oct. 21.

Dykstra accepted the invitation in August and said in a statement at that time: “Much is at stake this fall. I hope Sen. Johnson's campaign staff will allow him to participate in this important discussion for the benefit of South Dakota voters."

Johnson suffered from the brain hemorrhage in December 2006 and did not return to work until almost a year later in September 2007. He announced his reelection campaign in October 2007.

At the time, Johnson’s illness threatened Democrats’ majority in the upper chamber. But most political observers expect Democrats to make gains in the Senate this fall due to the number of Republican senators retiring and other GOP incumbents facing tough races.

“I have the full confidence of my doctors, family and colleagues in the Senate as I seek another six-year term,” Johnson said. “In the Senate I am able to effectively communicate the needs of our state and my passionately held beliefs.”