Sen. Tim Johnson (D-SD) welcomed former South Dakota Mike Rounds (R) to the state’s 2014 U.S. Senate race in a statement released on Thursday.
Rounds announced his intention to run on Thursday morning, although it remains unclear if he will face Johnson or someone else. Johnson, a three-term Democratic incumbent who suffered a life-threatening brain hemorage in 2006, said he feels “great” and that he intends to formally announce his plans next year, adding that he plans to “put together a winning campaign in the weeks and months ahead.”
The statement:
I consider Mike a friend, and I welcome him to the race. I had an excellent working relationship with him during his eight years as Governor, and the fact that he has already re-stated his refusal to take the Grover Norquist “no tax increases under any circumstances” pledge is a very good sign.
Our country faces a real fiscal dilemma, and tax increases on the wealthy absolutely have to be a part of the solution. While I’m sure that Mike and I will have some policy disagreements–which is to be expected–I am more than willing to give credit where it is due. And the fact that Mike realizes that it is irresponsible to take tax increases off the negotiating table is absolutely to his credit.
As in past campaigns, I will make my formal announcement later next year. But I feel great, still have work to do, and I fully intend to put together a winning campaign in the weeks and months ahead. In the meantime, I intend to continue to focus on my important work representing South Dakota.
