Sen. Johnson strongly suggests 2014 reelection bid

Sen. Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) did everything short of officially announce on Thursday that he was planning to run for reelection in 2014.

The Senate Banking Committee chairman said he would formally announce his plans later in 2013, but gave no indication he was considering stepping down.

"I feel great, still have work to do, and I fully intend to put together a winning campaign in the weeks and months ahead," he said in a statement.

Johnson's statement came hours after Mike Rounds, South Dakota's former GOP governor, announced he planned to run for Johnson's seat.

Johnson called Rounds a friend and welcomed him to the race. He also praised Rounds for refusing to sign the "no tax pledge" offered by Grover Norquist and Americans for Tax Reform.

"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," he said.

"The fact that Mike realizes that it is irresponsible to take tax increases off the negotiating table is absolutely to his credit," he added.

Johnson has served in the Senate since being elected in 1996, and headed the banking panel following Sen. Chris Dodd's (D-Conn.) retirement in 2011.

Johnson was sidelined for nearly a year after he suffered bleeding in the brain in 2006, and has largely been confined to a wheelchair since then.

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