SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – South Dakotans are remembering the life and legacy of longtime Senator Tim Johnson who died at the age of 77 Tuesday night.
Johnson, the last Democrat to serve in a statewide office for South Dakota, had five terms in the U-S House of Representatives and three as a Senator.
Former Senator Larry Pressler is looking back at his time on Capitol Hill with Tim Johnson and the work they did together despite being in different political parties.
“He worked on agriculture with me and we worked together on vocational education legislation to create the centers in Watertown and elsewhere,” Pressler said. “We had a lot of legislation together and I salute him for that. He was bi-partisan, he worked across the party lines and I really admire him.”
Pressler says that admiration continued on through the years, even when they were opponents in 1996.
“Although Tim Johnson and I ran against each other, we were friends. I don’t know if many people know that or not, but I considered him a friend,” Pressler said. “It was never a race where there was a harsh word said on either side. I think we both had some issues in mind and it was an issue-oriented campaign.”
Pressler wasn’t the only prominent name that Johnson held a victory over. In his 2002 re-election run, Johnson beat then-Congressman John Thune.
“He was the heavy-weight champion of politics in South Dakota in terms of victories,” Pressler said. “He beat all of us.”
Pressler says Johnson leaves a legacy of being a great South Dakotan.
“He’s the sort of person who makes South Dakota and the world go around on a good keel. He’s a splendid man,” Pressler said. “I considered Tim Johnson my friend and I’m sorry that he’s gone. I hope I and all of us can live up to his standard.”
Pressler’s time in office ended in 1997 after being defeated by Johnson. He says to this day he’s stayed friends with Johnson and spoke to him just a few weeks ago.
