Tim Johnson for South Dakota: Press Releases

Sen Johnson Commends Obama's Vice Presidential Pick

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Sioux Falls, SD – US Senator Tim Johnson applauded Sen. Barack Obama's vice presidential pick today saying that Biden brings great experience but also is a personal friend who helped Johnson when he was recovering from brain surgery.

"I've long admired Sen. Joe Biden, and believe his experience and respect on both sides of the aisle is very important and will offer a strong ticket this fall, and potentially a strong voice for working to address the many challenges facing the next Administration," Sen. Johnson said. "Our country will benefit from Sen. Biden's unparalleled service and familiarity with the issues, as we have during Sen. Biden's many years in the Senate."

Sen. Johnson said he hoped the national ticket for both parties would allow an honest discussion with the American people as to their respective vision for our nation for the next four years and beyond. "I believe that Barack Obama and Joe Biden give us a ticket with vision, strength, experience and determination to lead. There is a lot of work to be done, and I believe this ticket has the tools to accomplish great things for our nation," Sen. Johnson said.

But for Johnson, the Biden pick is more personal. "A few years ago, Joe Biden had a similar brain injury to the one I had and in the early days after my injury, he was a constant friend to Barb and me on the phone and in person. Joe always encouraged me in my recovery and constantly reminded me that while recovery takes time and is hard, I would be back fighting and serving again sooner rather than later. He was right and I will be forever grateful for his support and personal friendship," Johnson said.

On another note, Sen. Johnson indicated he will not be attending the Democratic National Convention next week since the presidential pick is a foregone conclusion. Instead Sen. Johnson will continue to spend the recess touring South Dakota and meeting with voters.

Poll Shows Johnson Support Increasing; Leading Opponent by 27 Points

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Sioux Falls, SD - A new poll shows U.S. Senator Tim Johnson gaining support among South Dakota voters, increasing his lead over his opponent to 61 - 34 percent. These numbers are an increase over the last published national poll conducted in July by Rassmussen Polling, which showed Johnson with a 60 - 35 percent lead. This current poll also shows that Senator Johnson's job approval with voters continues to be among the highest of any Senator in Washington, as an impressive 68 percent of the respondents approve of the job Johnson is doing for them.

The poll was conducted from August 12 - 14 by the Greenberg Quinlan Rosner research firm. 44 percent of the respondents identified themselves as Republicans and 34 percent of the respondents identified themselves as Democrats.

The poll was conducted the week after Senator Johnson announced that he would not be participating in any debates this election cycle. When asked about Senator Johnson's decision not to debate, 75 percent of the respondents said that debates were not very important to them and that his decision would not determine their vote. Rather, they said that Senator Johnson's job performance would determine their vote.

"This poll shows that the vast majority of South Dakotans support Senator Johnson; they know that he has been working hard over the past year since his injury and indeed is delivering for them in record numbers. In short, South Dakotans like Tim and the work he's doing for them, and they will decide their vote based on this assessment. As always, we never take any support for granted, and Senator Johnson will continue to tour the state, meet with constituents, and discuss his plan for improving the lives of all South Dakotans. And when Senator Johnson returns to the Senate in September, he will continue to work hard and use his influence and seniority to ensure that South Dakota's interests are well-represented," said campaign manager Steve Jarding.

Sen Johnson Attends Dakotafest

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Sioux Falls, SD – U.S. Senator Tim Johnson visited Dakotafest today, touring the grounds, talking with farmers, and visiting booths. Steve Dick from Ag United for South Dakota accompanied the Senator during his visit.

“I enjoyed spending time at Dakotafest and visiting with farmers from around the state. Agriculture is one of the pillars of this state’s economy, and we need to ensure that our farmers have the tools they need for success. I worked hard to secure Country of Origin Labeling in the 2008 Farm Bill, and will continue to fight for ag interests in the Senate,” said Senator Johnson.

Johnson is spending his break from the Senate criss-crossing the state meeting with constituents and organizations, attending forums and roundtable discussions, conducting official Senate business, and attending many of the summer fairs and carnivals as he moves around the state.

Sen Johnson to Attend Dakotafest

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Sioux Falls, SD – U.S. Senator Tim Johnson will be attending Dakotafest on Tuesday, August 19 at 2:45 pm CT. Senator Johnson will tour the grounds, speak with farmers, and visit booths. Steve Dick from Ag United for South Dakota will accompany Senator Johnson during his visit.

WHO:    U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD)
WHAT:    Dakotafest
WHEN:    Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 2:45 pm CT – 3:45 pm CT
WHERE:    Dakotafest
        Schlaffman Farm
        2300 Spruce Street
        Mitchell, SD

Senator Johnson BBQs with Supporters

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Sioux Falls, SD – U.S. Senator Tim Johnson was back in Brookings again today where he attended a barbeque at the George Mickelson Middle School. At the barbeque, Brookings area constituents had the opportunity to speak with the Senator one-on-one as well as in small groups, and the topic of discussion ranged from energy to health care to agricultural issues.

“I was delighted to be able to speak to voters on an individual basis and discuss their concerns and the things that affect their daily lives. From rising gas prices to soaring health care costs, people are hurting, and I was glad to have the opportunity to discuss what I am doing to help alleviate these problems in the Senate,” Senator Johnson said.

While talking to voters, Senator Johnson discussed his support for offshore drilling and investing in renewable and alternative energy sources, such as ethanol, to alleviate energy costs. He also spoke about his leading role in the fight to secure Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) in the Farm Bill, which will benefit both farmers and consumers.

Johnson is spending his break from the Senate to criss cross the state meeting with constituents, conducting official Senate business, and attending many of the summer fairs and carnivals as he moves around the state.

Senator Johnson Attends Brown County Fair

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Sioux Falls, SD – U.S. Senator Tim Johnson was back in Aberdeen today where he attended the Brown County Fair. Senator Johnson met with constituents and discussed issues ranging from energy to agriculture.

Tim Erickson, a fair attendee, said, “I enjoyed meeting Tim today, and I was really impressed with him. He’s so sharp intellectually, and he’s worked hard for South Dakota on so many things. He can do the job and he’s doing the job.”

Johnson is spending his break from the Senate to criss cross the state meeting with constituents, conducting official Senate business, and attending many of the summer fairs and carnivals as he moves around the state.

Mayor Munson Praises Johnson in TV Ad

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Sioux Falls, SD – The campaign of U.S. Senator Tim Johnson has released a new television ad today featuring Sioux Falls Republican Mayor, Dave Munson. In the ad, Munson commends Senator Johnson for all the work he has done for the Sioux Falls community, and expresses confidence in Senator Johnson’s ability to serve in the Senate after his brain injury.

“I think he’s more than up to the job,” says Munson at the beginning of the ad. He goes on to talk about Senator Johnson’s ability to work with both Democrats and Republicans, and calls the Senator a “great partner for me to work with.”

When discussing Senator Johnson’s accomplishments for Sioux Falls, Munson says, “I can’t even list all the projects Tim Johnson has done for Sioux Falls – there are that many.” The ad highlights Johnson’s work securing $110 million for the Lewis and Clark Water Project, $24 million for the I-29 highway, $95,305 for the Graduate Education and Applied Research Center, and $40 million for the Sioux Falls Rail Relocation Project. All of these projects have directly benefited the Sioux Falls community.

At the end of the ad, Mayor Munson states, “The bottom line is that Tim Johnson does get results, and I am a personal witness to that.”

You can view the ad at www.timjohnson.com.

Senator Johnson to Attend Brown County Fair

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Sioux Falls, SD - U.S. Senator Tim Johnson will attend the Brown County Fair on Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 2:00 pm CT. Senator Johnson will spend time at his campaign booth, touring the fairgrounds, and speaking with voters.

WHO: U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD)

WHAT: Brown County Fair

WHEN: Thursday, August 14, 2008, 2:00 pm CT - 3:00 pm CT

WHERE: Brown County Fairgrounds

County Road 15

Aberdeen, SD

South Dakota Teachers Group Endorses Johnson for Re-Election

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Sioux Falls, SD – Following a recommendation for endorsement by the South Dakota Education Association, which represents more than 7,000 teachers in South Dakota, the National Education Association’s Fund for Children and Public Education has announced its endorsement of Senator Tim Johnson in his re-election bid.

“We applaud Senator Johnson's commitment to the cause of public education and children, and wish him every success. The NEA Fund and the South Dakota Education Association are proud to support the election of federal candidates, like Senator Johnson, who measure up on the issues that most concern our members,” said Reg Weaver, chairman of The NEA Fund.

The National Education Association is the largest professional employee organization in America, with 3.2 million members. The South Dakota Education Association, with over 7,000 members, is the largest organization of educators in South Dakota.

“I am honored to have the endorsement of The NEA Fund and the South Dakota Education Association, and I will continue to work hard for South Dakota's children to ensure they have the tools they need for success,” said Johnson. “During my time as Senator, I have been a strong supporter of initiatives to reduce classroom size, repair our crumbling schools, and address the unique challenges facing rural school districts. Education is the foundation of a prosperous state and nation, and improving our education system is one of the most pressing issues we face in an increasingly globalized economy. Recognizing this urgency, I will continue to fight for our children's future.”

Senator Johnson has been a strong supporter of education in the Senate. Just this year, Senator Johnson cosponsored the College and University Rural Education Act (CURE), which will encourage rural high school students to attain a postsecondary education and enhance educational training opportunities for programs targeted at professions with worker shortages. He was also a cosponsor of the Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP) Reauthorization Act, which gives rural schools flexibility in their use of federal funding to better meet the unique needs of rural education.

Senator Johnson was able to use his position on the powerful Appropriations Committee this past year to secure nearly $30 million dollars for research activities at South Dakota’s universities, as well as over $4 million dollars for South Dakota’s Head Start programs.

Johnson Kicks Off Trip Home With Blog

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Sioux Falls, SD - Today U.S. Senator Tim Johnson announced he will be keeping a blog of his campaign activity while home this month. The blog will be his way of keeping South Dakotans up-to-date on his travels around the state.

"I'm excited to keep my first blog during my trip home over the Senate's recess," Johnson said. "This will be a great way to let everyone know what I'm up to while in South Dakota. I'm really looking forward to getting around the state, seeing old friends, meeting new people and then writing about it."

The blog will be accessible on the campaign's website at www.timjohnson.com/blog

Johnson will be in South Dakota through the end of Senate recess. He plans to visit with constituents and voters across the state, and will also be conducting official Senate business. Johnson will return to Washington after Labor Day.

Senator Johnson Attends Canaries Game

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Sioux Falls, SD – U.S. Senator Tim Johnson attended Tuesday night’s Sioux Falls Canaries professional baseball game against the Wichita Wingnuts, chatting with constituents and cheering on the Canaries. Senator Johnson attended the game with his wife Barb, son Brendan, and grandchildren.

“Ever since Sioux Falls got its own team fifteen years ago, Barb and I have enjoyed trying to find the time to take our kids and now the grandchildren out to the park. This beautiful field is a testament to the economic growth and prosperity of Sioux Falls. And baseball has long been something I’ve loved,” Johnson said

Senator Johnson is at home in South Dakota for the duration of the Senate’s August recess, and will be traveling throughout the state meeting with constituents as well as conducting Senate business during this time.

Statement from Senator Tim Johnson on Debates

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Sioux Falls, SD - U.S. Senator Tim Johnson announced today that he will not participate in political debates during the election cycle. Senator Johnson's statement is below:
   "I would like to thank South Dakotans for their patience, prayers, and strong support during the past year. It is because of that support and my job performance over the past year that I know I am 100 percent capable of performing all of the duties of my job as South Dakota's Senior Senator. I have the full confidence of my doctors, family and colleagues in the Senate as I seek another six-year term.
   In the Senate I am able to effectively communicate the needs of our state and my passionately held beliefs.
   There is no better evidence of that than my record since returning to the Senate nearly one year ago. I have not missed a single vote, I have acquired hundreds of millions of dollars for projects throughout South Dakota and I chair, attend and fully participate in committee and sub-committee hearings.
   I have been open and honest about my recovery. 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."

Tim and Barb Johnson Discuss Johnson's Decision to Return to Senate in TV Ad

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Sioux Falls, SD – U.S. Senator Tim Johnson and his wife Barb today will begin appearing in a television ad discussing Johnson's determination and his family's support for him to return to work in the Senate nearly a year ago following emergency brain surgery in 2006.

In the lighthearted ad, Tim and Barb Johnson can be seen sitting around a table and opens with Barb Johnson saying, “My husband’s a little headstrong.” To which Johnson replies, “I call it determined.” The ad then goes back and forth between the two with Barb Johnson talking about how the Senator only wanted to get back to work following his brain injury. Johnson then indicates with a hint of frustration that while he is getting better, his speech isn’t all the way back to normal, but says that his illness has given him “a unique view on life.” The ad closes with Barb Johnson joking that one of the reasons the Johnson family wanted Johnson to run for reelection was because, “I wanted him out of the house.” To which a laughing Johnson responds, “And I paid for this?”

The 30 second ad will begin running statewide this evening. Later this afternoon, the ad will also be available for viewing at www.timjohnson.com.

Johnson's return to work following his surgery has been called "miraculous" by his doctors, who removed the life threatening arteriovenous malformation (AVM) but also had to induce a coma through medication in Johnson to give his brain time to heal. And while the brain did heal, that coma forced Johnson to have to learn to walk and talk all over again. To do so, Johnson has endured rigorous physical, occupational and speech therapy. While he is not one hundred percent, he has learned to walk again with the use of a cane; and while he still struggles with some words, his doctors say his speech is continuing to improve and should gradually return to normal.

Johnson has said he views his return to the Senate in September 2007 as a "second chance at life," and he credits the thoughts and prayers of the thousands of South Dakotans for helping him recover from the injury. As such, Johnson says he has dedicated this second chance at life to working even harder fighting for the people of South Dakota. Since his return, Johnson has not missed a single vote, and he has sponsored or cosponsored 140 pieces of legislation. He continues to use his powerful and senior positions on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Indian Affairs Committee, and Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, to deliver important legislation and critical funding for South Dakota.

As Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Tim led the fight last year to fully fund VA healthcare for the first time in decades. Tim also played a fundamental role in the crafting and passage of new energy legislation that will double the Renewable Fuel Standard in this country. He was an instrumental voice in the passage of the new Farm Bill, which provides a structured approach to Ag disaster and a common-sense approach to implementing Country of Origin Labeling (COOL). Recently, Tim secured a record $30 million for the Lewis and Clark Water Project in the 2009 Senate Energy and Water funding bill.

Senator Tim Johnson Tops $5.1 Million Raised

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Sioux Falls, SD – US Senator Tim Johnson’s re-election campaign has received income totaling over $5.1 million dollars for his campaign which includes contributions from 11,369 individual donors. The campaign will report a total of $2.7 million cash on hand.

During the second quarter of 2008, the campaign raised $560,000.The $5.1 million raised to date is nearly identical to the amount Johnson’s campaign had raised at this same time during his 2002 campaign, and the cash on hand figure is significantly greater than the same number from the 2002 race. In that successful 2002 campaign against then Congressman John Thune, Johnson raised just under $7 million for the entire cycle.

“We are happy with these numbers, but we take nothing for granted,” said campaign manager Steve Jarding. “South Dakotans know Senator Johnson. They know that he fights for them, that he works well across party lines, that he is delivering for the state, and they know that without him in the United States Senate, South Dakota’s interests would be jeopardized. That is why so many thousands of folks continue to support Tim in so many ways,” Jarding said.

Since returning to the Senate in September 2007, Senator Tim Johnson has dedicated his second chance at life to working even harder for the people of South Dakota. Since his return, Johnson has not missed a single vote, and he has sponsored or cosponsored over 130 pieces of legislation. He continues to use his powerful and senior positions on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Indian Affairs Committee, and Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee to deliver important legislation and critical funding for South Dakota.

Just this year, Senator Johnson secured $26.6 million in funding for the Lewis and Clark Water Project, and for the first time in recent history fully funded the VA health care programs in South Dakota. He also secured Country of Origin Labeling in the 2008 Farm Bill, and was instrumental in doubling the Renewable Fuel Standard.

Statement from Senator Tim Johnson on the Comments of Reverend Jeremiah Wright

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Sioux Falls, SD -- Today, Senator Tim Johnson released the following statement about recent reports of comments made by Reverend Jeremiah Wright.

''The words of Reverend Wright were divisive, hateful and unpatriotic. I believe any such language should be categorically rejected, and I am pleased Senator Obama has done just that.''

Statement by Senator Tim Johnson, Thanksgiving 2007

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0800

On behalf of the entire Johnson family, Barb and I want to wish you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving.

It has been a challenging year for our family, and above all we are thankful for every day that we have together. And after many long days of recovery, I am also grateful to have the opportunity to continue to fight for the people of South Dakota in the United States Senate.

In the months since I have returned to Washington, Congress has accomplished important work, such as passing critical flood control legislation to provide additional protection against disasters like Hurricane Katrina and to restore the ecology of the Missouri River in South Dakota.

I am proud of these accomplishments, but so much more needs to be done.

The 2007 Farm Bill remains stalled in the Senate, as a minority of senators has delayed its passage by offering more than 260 amendments - most of little importance to producers. We can't afford to wait any longer to pass this bill. Producers need to plan for the future, and they need to start now. I will continue to work with my colleagues to help them set aside their differences and pass this bill before the end of the year.

Finally, as you sit down for Thanksgiving dinner, I hope that you will take a moment to remember the men and women who cannot spend the holidays with their families this year because they are stationed overseas as members of the Armed Forces.

As the father of a soldier, I know how important it is to feel connected to a loved one far away. Please continue to include them in your thoughts and prayers this holiday season.

Barb and I hope that you and your loved ones have a wonderful Thanksgiving and joyous start to your holiday season.

Johnson: ''I will run for re-election.''

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Sioux Falls, SD -- In a statement released today, Senator Tim Johnson verifies what he has said publicly since his return to work over a month ago, Senator Johnson will seek re-election in 2008. A formal announcement will follow in 2008, as has been Johnson’s practice in the past.

''I was looking forward to asking South Dakotans to allow me to serve them for another term prior to my illness last December. Since then, I have never once lost my desire to continue serving South Dakota, but I needed time to recover and regain my health in order to determine whether I could do the job and best serve our state. After months of rehabilitation and recovery, more than a month on the job in Washington and after my recent trips back to South Dakota it is clear, to my family, my doctors, and me that I am able to do the hard work required of a United States Senator. I have said before that, I wanted to take this second chance at life and focus even harder on being the best advocate I can for the people of South Dakota. Today I am asking South Dakotans to give me the chance to give back to them by announcing that I will run for re-election in 2008.''