Johnson will not seek re-election
South Dakota Sen. Tim Johnson announced Tuesday he would not seek re-election in 2014 saying, “it’s time to say goodbye.”
After serving more than three decades in the political arena, Johnson addressed a standing-room-only crowd at the Al Neuharth Media Center to formally announce his plans to retire when his current term expires in two years, ending the long-speculated rumor he would not run for office again.
Approaching the podium on a motorized scooter, Johnson lightheartedly joked about his career and contributed age and health in his decision to end his political career.
“I feel great,” Johnson said. “…But my right arm and right leg aren’t what they used to be, and my speech is not entirely there. Mostly, it’s time to go.”
The Vermillion native suffered from a brain hemorrhage in 2006, impairing his physical abilities and has since then been on a path of recovery.
After thanking his staff members, from those who worked with him at the beginning of his career to those currently serving him, Johnson addressed his supporters who he said enabled him to not only lead a successful career, but also recover from his health afflictions over the years.
“It is now our season to spend more time with our six grandkids, and in the state we love,” Johnson said. Johnson said he and his wife, Barbara, intend to relocate full-time back to South Dakota in 2015, shortly after his term in Washington is up.
Briefly addressing the speculations that his son, Brendan, who is currently serving as the U.S. Attorney for District of S.D., might seek election to replace his senate seat, Johnson said the decision is one that can only be made by Brendan.
“I have not discussed in detail what comes next, whether it’s Stephanie (Herseth-Sandlin) or Brendan or whoever,” Johnson said, who also cheerfully spoke on the outcome of the election if he were to run again. “I’ve never been beaten.”
Johnson concluded his retirement announcement after fifteen minutes, and was met with a room full of applause from his supporters as he left the podium.
“God bless South Dakota, and God bless America,” Johnson said upon his exit.
Those in attendance of the press conference varied from politicians to students.
For Ben Nesselhuf, chair of the S.D. Democratic Party, Johnson’s decision to retire is bittersweet, as he said Johnson was a strong advocate in Congress.
“I think any number of projects he has been involved in have made a difference in South Dakota,” Nesselhuf said. “His work with adoptionhas been incredibly important (to me), as I come from a family with two adopted children, so his work with adoption is really personal for me.”
Throughout his career, Johnson hosted many interns, many of which who are USD students. Sophomore Rachelle Norberg, who interned for Johnson in Washington, D.C., was saddened to learn of his planned retirement.
“He is a big voice for our little state, and it is hard to lose that kind of person in Washington,” said a teary eyed Norberg. “He taught me to be proud of where you’re from and to truly represent where I am from.”
