US Sen. John Thune (R-SD)
By: South Dakota Searchlight staff
PIERRE, S.D. (South Dakota Searchlight) – U.S. Sen. John Thune, R-South Dakota, sponsored a resolution adopted by the Senate honoring the late Tim Johnson, a Democrat who defeated Thune 22 years ago in a Senate race.
Republican Mike Rounds of South Dakota was among the 99 cosponsors of the legislation, which passed Thursday with unanimous consent. The two senators issued a joint statement afterward.
“Former Senator Tim Johnson was a steadfast leader who represented South Dakota with integrity and compassion,” the statement said. “It is fitting that he be honored in this way, a tribute to his nearly 30 years in Congress and lifetime of service to the state he loved.”
In 2002, Johnson won reelection to the Senate over Thune by 524 votes. Thune went on to beat Democratic Sen. Tom Daschle in 2004. Earlier this month, Thune’s Republican colleagues elected him to serve as the Senate’s next majority leader.
Johnson died Oct. 8 at the age of 77. Since 2006, he had been dealing with the lingering effects of brain bleeding caused by a congenital defect known as a cerebral arteriovenous malformation.
The resolution summarizes many of Johnson’s achievements, including his service as “the longest-serving public official in South Dakota history.” He served a combined 36 years in the state Legislature, U.S. House and U.S. Senate, never losing an election. He retired from the Senate rather than seek reelection in 2014.
Several other lesser-known details about Johnson are revealed in the resolution, including his record for the most single-season touchdowns scored at Vermillion High School. It also says he learned how to write with his left hand and relearned how to drive after his stroke-like health problems in 2006.
“Tim Johnson served the people of South Dakota in the Senate and elsewhere for decades with honor and distinction and was known for his work ethic and commitment to South Dakota constituents,” the resolution says, adding that the Senate “has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret” the announcement of Johnson’s death.
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