Tim Johnson for South Dakota | News | Latest News | Tim Johnson Right Choice for U.S. Senate

The American News endorses Tim Johnson for South Dakota's U.S. Senate seat in Tuesday's election.

Johnson, a generally conservative Democratic senator, has demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of Washington politics and South Dakota's place in it. Johnson's resume is experience-rich, spanning a political career starting in the South Dakota Legislature as a representative (1979-1982), state senator (1982-1986); and then 10 years in the U.S. House of Representatives before winning his first seat in the U.S. Senate in 1996.

Throughout his tenure in the U.S. Senate, Johnson has worked to provide a myriad of accomplishments that have benefited South Dakota. While debatable, conventional wisdom ranks success in Congress by how much money a senator or congressperson funnels to the home state constituents. While that might cheapen the definition of political success for some, it is a reality that is revalidated in election after election. In this respect, we believe that Johnson has been a good steward for South Dakotans.

Most recently, Johnson saw a longtime political goal realized when country-of-origin labeling (COOL) was reaffirmed in the 2008 Farm Bill. After six years, this legislation - of which Johnson was a major proponent - is finally set to become reality.

Johnson also had a hand in the Mni Wiconi water project, supporting the Lewis and Clark project and bringing countless dollars to benefit South Dakota universities and infrastructure.

In terms of political power, Johnson holds a coveted spot on the Senate Appropriations Committee, arguably the most influential committee in government, as well as maintaining a seat on the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, the Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the Indian Affairs Committee.

While a state shouldn't retain a senator just because of such political achievements, a state should also be cautious about turning out such a ranking senator without remarkably clear underperformance. Sen. Johnson has been a valuable performer for South Dakota.

We would caution Johnson to fight for his rightful seats and chairmanships on these Senate committees. In Washington, they eat their young; current moves within his own party might render Johnson's chairmanship opportunities moot.

We remain disappointed in Johnson's decision to not debate his opponent Joel Dykstra. Johnson based his decision on his continuing recovery from a 2006 arteriovenous malformation (AVM), which has affected his verbal communication skills.

As we stated in previous editorials, Johnson showed little respect and trust in his opponent and his constituents in this particular campaign process. Whether politically astute or just plain dumb, Johnson and his handlers were wrong to deny this highly informative candidate exchange.

Republican Joel Dykstra has run from behind this whole campaign. One is always looking up when trying to unseat a long-standing senate incumbent. Not given much chance or financial support from his national party, Dykstra has traveled the state on a limited budget spreading his vision of a better way to represent South Dakota in the U.S. Senate. We applaud his perseverance and effort to keep this campaign on a civil level. But we don't believe that Dykstra is the best alternative for South Dakota in this election.

Our assessment is that Sen. Johnson is fully engaged and completely capable to take on anything that the Senate and a new administration can put before him. Similarly, our expectation is that this senator will deliver great results for South Dakota and the United States for the next six years.