Sen. Johnson Issues Statement of Thanks

[brooklynite]

South Dakota Sen. Tim Johnson issued his first public statement Tuesday since suffering a life-threatening brain hemorrhage three months ago, and his office released the first photos of the Democratic senator since he became ill.

"I want to thank the people of South Dakota and all of our dear friends for their support and prayers," Johnson said in a statement released by his office. "This has been an unexpected journey and there is a long road in front of me. I am determined and focused on my recovery, and I look forward to returning to the Senate on behalf of South Dakota."

Johnson's illness and ensuing absence from the Senate have highlighted his party's tenuous one-seat advantage in the chamber. He has been recovering at a private rehabilitation facility since leaving George Washington University Hospital last month. Johnson's office has said his recovery is expected to take several months, though he has been doing some work from his bed.

The photos, posted on Johnson's Web site, show Johnson in his room and outside at the unidentified facility, where he has been undergoing physical, occupational and speech therapy. Part of the therapy has been to deal with weakness on his right side.

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2007/03/13/national/w101918D60.DTL

[Horse with no Name]

1. Glad to hear that Sen. Johnson

We miss you and need you.

[wakeme2008]

2. Kick and nom nt

[aquart]

3. Wonderful.

Thank you so much for posting this.

[Bumblebee]

4. He looks great -- knock on wood!!

[DearAbby]

5. Speedy recovery!

Good news.

[JNelson6563]

6. Great news and pictures! K&R!

A speedy (rest of) recovery Senator! :toast:

Julie

[maddezmom]

7. He's looking great

K&R

Sending lots of healthy vibes.

[babylonsister]

8. Terrific news-thanks! nt

[kestrel91316]

9. He looks great. I think he's gonna be just fine.

[truthisfreedom]

10. We all wish you well, good Senator!

And a pox on those who wished you ill!

[AX10]

11. K & R!

[sinkingfeeling]

12. Hurry back, Senator. We need you.

[maddogesq]

13. Remember what Ed Schultz said they day Johnson became ill:

"He's tough as nails."

Ed had spent some time, I think, hunting with the senator.

Nuff said.

[DemKR]

14. Tim looks awesome!!1

[Omaha Steve]

15. K & R

Woo Whoo

[Cha]

16. Hi Cutie! Yur lookin' Good!

Can't wait to have you back in the Senate helping us fight the evil force that's takin' over our country.

Now the AG gonza is being asked to resign because he did the whitehouse's bidding and fired the US attorneys and lied about it. Bet you can't believe that one. ;)

[Judi Lynn]

17. He does look great, doesn't he? Looks calm, rested, and steady.

This is very good news.

[Patsy Stone]

18. Excellent news!

Keep getting stronger, Tim.

[liberalla]

19. This is such good news and he looks great!

I am so glad to read this! May his recovery be full and speedy. Thank you for posting this.

[mzmolly]

20. So glad he's doing well.

:)

[intaglio]

21. k&r n/t

[noonwitch]

22. He's looking really good and healthy

I'm glad to see that.

[whometense]

23. Wonderful news.

Thank you!!!