August 8, 2008
Posted: August 8th, 2008 12:10 PM ET

From
Sen. Johnson says he won't participate in fall debates.
Sen. Johnson says he won't participate in fall debates.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Despite saying he is able to handle "100 percent" of his senatorial duties, Sen. Tim Johnson Friday said he would not participate in debates this fall due to lingering effects from a stroke.

Johnson suffered a stroke in December 2006, which forced him to temporarily leave the Senate. He returned in September 2007.

"I have been open and honest about my recovery," the South Dakota Democrat said in a statement. "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.

"Therefore I will not participate in traditional political debates during this campaign," the Democrat said.

The two-term senator is up for reelection this fall. His Republican challenger is Joel Dykstra, the assistant majority leader of the South Dakota House of Representative. In 2002, Johnson narrowly beat out now Sen. John Thune, R-South Dakota, by 524 votes.

Despite declining to debate Dykstra, Johnson said he was completely capable of fulfilling his Senate duties, saying he had not missed a single vote since returning to the Senate last year and chaired and attended committee and sub-committee hearings.

Filed under: Congress


Jim McCall- Tennessee   August 8th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

A brave man and a personal hero to me

Stuart - Texas   August 8th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

This would be front page news if it was a Republican Senator instead of a Democrat. The D's would be wailing about how unfair not to be able to debate.

kim hussein smith   August 8th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

"Are all Democrats afraid to debate?"

there must be some kind of silliness on FOX or rush saying obama is AFRAID to debate mccain. that is absolutely LUDICROUS!!

yes, righties, intelligent and informed obama is just TERRIFIED at the thought of debating an inarticulate, lying, misinformed, cranky old man who doesnt even know the borders of the country WE invaded!

you non-thinkers REALLY need to start thinking, and not just repeat your heroes' words. if you actually gave that sentence even a SMALL amount of thought, you would see how absurd it is!

"These democrats ask you to continue because thye want to have majority in the senate" --huh?? those EVIL democrats, wanting to maintain their majority-the NERVE! what elitists! i'm sure they'll find some way to tax that too!!

i CANNOT WAIT until he debates mccain, it's going to be hilarious, and his handlers better load him up with xanax or something, cuz mccain is very likely to blow!!!!

Chris, Antioch, CA   August 8th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

He doesn't need a debate. He's up by 30 points! Do what you need to, Senator.

texas DEM   August 8th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

This Pro Obama senator needs to retire.

TN for Obama   August 8th, 2008 3:53 pm ET

Has he been arrested TWICE? Our President Has
Has he shot somebody and called the police HOURS later? Our Vice President Has.

Step down? GROW UP, faux Dem for John McCain!

Steve Green   August 8th, 2008 3:53 pm ET

G-d bless him...wishing for a speedy recovery.

jimmy   August 8th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

GIVE THE MAN A BREAK. FOR PETE'S SAKE WHO ARE YOU PEOPLE , TRYING TO FORCE A MAN WHO HAD A STROKE AND HAS SOME RESIDUAL SPEECH IMPEDIMENT TO DEBATE ON A STATE OR NATIONAL LEVEL WHEN HE IS AT A DISADVANTAGE.
YOU PEOPLE ARE LIKE THE ONES WHO THREW HIS OWN GRANDMOTHER UNDER THE BUS. HYPOCRITES.

Take a hike dem for JM   August 8th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

The one that should be retiring is J-M

Sherry, Atlanta   August 8th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

GOOD JUDGEMENT, GET SOME REST!

Allison - PA   August 8th, 2008 3:38 pm ET

Susie, that is a low blow – Senator Johnson is still regaining the ability to speak properly from the life-threatening stroke that he suffered in December, 2006 – He is understandably concerned about his speaking ability in a debate setting and wants voters to see him at his best. Afraid? Give me a break.

Democrat for John McCain   August 8th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

Mr. Johnson, you must retire. These democrats ask you to continue because thye want to have majority in the senate. It is time for you to take rest.

Hana   August 8th, 2008 3:30 pm ET

If he's too sick to debate his opponent, then he should be voted out of office. I wish him a full recovery but, in this case, it appears he's using the stroke as a way to dodge debating his opponent.

judy, Wisconsin   August 8th, 2008 3:28 pm ET

Senator, please continue to improve, and to Susie–take your comment and shove it......

Concerned in Alabama   August 8th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

I pray that you continue to recover.

KG   August 8th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

If you can't stand the heat, get the heck out of the kitchen (and take the rest of the useless Democrats with you).

Pepou   August 8th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

Even with this impediment, Senator Johnson is a great deal more articulate than McSame.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   August 8th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

I'm sure Johnson would do far better than McCain in a debate. I can't wait for what I believe will be one of the greatest if not worst debates of all times.

John K   August 8th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

No Democrat is afraid to debate a Repblican. Mr. Johnson's thoughts would be more complex than he would be capable of saying at all quickly. It would simply be unfair. Of course expressing complexity in thought would be no issue to aRepublican!

proud army and navy mom   August 8th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

that was an honest response to a direct question. Take note repugs and tired, can't let go Hill supporters. That's how it's done.

DJ Los Angeles   August 8th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Poor guy...give him a break, just barely is recovering

susie   August 8th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Are all Democrats afraid to debate?

DD, New York   August 8th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Remarkable recovery and by the Grace of God, may he continue to complete many more remarkable milestones in regaining his health!

DR. YES   August 8th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

your record speaks for itself.well done.south dakota should be proud of your record.

Raymond Duke   August 8th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Well I will give him a little bit of a break on that. I wonder if that is why Obama don't and will not accept McCains challenge to debate at town hall meetings. I don't think so. Did he not just the other day say he would debate McCain anywhere any place. Whoops he changes a lot doesn't he. As far as Johnson if he cannot debate he cannot do his job in the senate and should take his retirement and let someone who can represent the people of South Dokato. Fat Ted Kennedy should do the same. But it will be out of his hands soon. People with them type of cancers don't usually last to long.

kim hussein smith   August 8th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

keep up the great work, senator-in your rehab and your political career!! your honesty and committment are appreciated by us all!!!

Greg Pottstown, Pa.   August 8th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

It is sad that you had to go through this. The American people wish you a fast and full recovery.

Eric from SD   August 8th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

I bet he still sounds better than BHO.

SoDak for McCain!!

white female   August 8th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

gET WELL SOON, OUR PRAYERS GONE WITH YOU ALWAYS.

arlene, CA   August 8th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Take care of your self Senator Johnson, life is too short!! May you have a complete recovery.

fred   August 8th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

interesting.........Don't senators usually have to talk on the senate floor?

Phil Texas   August 8th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Senator Johnson has moxey. There are a lot of people that have strokes and just don't make it back to normal. For him to be able to just do his job is a plus to the country. I wish there were more senators that felt as strongly about doing the right thing for the country.

Abby   August 8th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

OMG! Totally thought he was someone else. I take it back, Sir. win win win.

Praetorian, Fort Myers   August 8th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

How about an on-line debate. That way your opponent's views and your views could be displayed in text in response to a moderators posted questions?

Abby   August 8th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

I wish you a speedy and full recovery after which I hope you lose.

Jeff Brown   August 8th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

God Bless You and Stay Strong!

Katie - Atlanta   August 8th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

I wish him a speedy recovery! Take care, Senator.

Linda from Prescott AZ   August 8th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

Senator best wishes on your continued recovery.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ   August 8th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

That makes sense to me. If his staff knows what he is talking about, then he can get the job done with their help. Do we know if he was a good debator before the stroke? I would hope that there would be a way for questions to be asked of the candidates so that the public can get a better sense of the candidates.

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