Senate 2008: Johnson is Back, but for how long?

South Dakota Senate Tim Johnson isn't a famous statesman like Ted Kennedy or Robert C. Byrd, but he, or rather his health, is every bit as important to the Democrats and the country as his more well-known peers. Johnson is one of 49 Democrats in the Senate, where the Democrats hold a 51-49 majority (two independents caucus with the Dems). That majority was almost lost earlier this year when Senator Johnson suffered a severe brain hemorrhage, leading to speculation that he might resign from office and allow South Dakota's Republican governor to nominate a replacement.

But Johnson stuck it out and now, after nearly 8 months of intensive therapy, he's back. He made his first public appearance since his illness last night in Sioux Falls last night, highlighting his dramatic recovery before a crowd of supporters. The democratic majority is safe through 2008.

Johnson's health concerns have fueled speculation that he might not run for reelection in 2008, but Senator told ABC's Bob Woodruff that he expects to "run and win." His aides later clarified that while he would like to run, he hasn't reached a final decision. If he does run I think the people of South Dakota will elect him by a wide margin, especially since Republicans will have a hard time running attack ads against the Lance Armstrong of the Senate.