Johnson welcomed back to senate

By: Lalinda De La Fuente, Ana Sanchez, Jennifer Rodriguez

After hours of emergency brain surgery, two months of physical, speech and occupational therapy and four months of recuperation, Senator Tim Johnson of South Dakota is welcomed back to the Senate.

"This has been a long and humbling journey that has taken longer than some people may have liked, and I count myself among them," said Johnson in a short speech given before the Senate.

After suffering a brain hemorrhage on Dec. 13 of 2006, Johnson took an eight-month absence from the Senate causing concern among the Democratic Party.

His death or resignation would have caused GOP Governor Mike Rounds to possibly appoint a republican successor and return the Senate to Republican control.

Senator John Thune (R) of South Dakota gave a speech praising Johnson and welcoming his back to the Senate passing Resolution 306 with a unanimous vote.

"Johnson's experience has made me appreciate the little things," said Thune in his speech.

Support for Johnson is so great that a website called Welcome Back Tim has raised $42,956 for his re-election campaign.