S. Dakota senator returns to work

Last December, Johnson underwent emergency surgery on brain arteries.

WASHINGTON (AP) — South Dakota Sen. Tim Johnson returned to the Senate on Wednesday physically weaker but saying he anticipates running for re-election next year.

Johnson, a Democrat, has been out since suffering a life-threatening brain hemorrhage nine months ago. Effects of the hemorrhage remain — he uses a scooter to get around and his words are slow and slurred.

But his mind appears sharp, and he gave every indication of wanting to stay.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid gave a lengthy speech praising Johnson, his wife and his doctors. Most senators were in the chamber to hear Johnson’s remarks, and he received two standing ovations from his colleagues.

“We love you, I love you,” Reid said.

Speaking with reporters, Johnson had no problem finding answers to questions, but it occasionally took him a while to form words. He said he will measure his speech and mobility progress and make a final decision on running for re-election this fall.

His return is a relief for Democrats, who have a thin majority and need his vote.

Johnson plans to ease his way back into office, taking each day’s busy schedule as it comes. He will undergo speech therapy three times a week.

He said his return will be “an inch at a time.”

Johnson said he is waiting to hear when he can assume the chairmanship of the Senate ethics committee, which has been asked to investigate the conduct of Republican Sen. Larry Craig, who was arrested in a sex sting in an airport restroom.

Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., is heading that panel in Johnson’s place.

What happened

Johnson last December underwent emergency surgery for arteriovenous malformation, a condition that causes arteries and veins in the brain to grow abnormally large, become tangled and sometimes burst.

As Johnson recovered out of the spotlight, Republicans have been largely quiet about his re-election campaign. But his return will give the GOP the opportunity to begin running against him.