Political Wire has the good news:

In his first television interview since a life-threatening brain hemorrhage in December, Sen. Tim Johnson (D-SD) told Nightline's Bob Woodruff that he is seeking re-election next year, reports USA Today.

Notes an ABC News release: "Throughout, Senator Johnson talks candidly with Mr. Woodruff about his daily struggles and his determination not only to return to the Senate next week, but to seek re-election in 2008."

The interview will be excerpted on World News With Charles Gibson tonight at 6:30pm and then will be shown in its entirety on Nightline at 11:35pm.

This news comes on the same day that Sen. Johnson and his wife Barbara host a 'Thank You South Dakota' event at the Sioux Falls Convention Center to be held today at 4pm CT and open to all South Dakota residents. It will be Sen. Johnson's first public appearance since his brain hemorrhage last year. Badlands Blue has the details:

Speakers confirmed for the program include Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, Governor Mike Rounds, Sioux Falls Mayor David Munson, and both Sinte Gleska University President Lionel Bordeaux, and Bishop Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl will offer prayers.  The University of South Dakota's ROTC will present colors.

Senator John Thune, who has been very supportive during this timeframe, will not be able to attend the event but will provide a taped video greeting.  Senator Thune is also expected to be part of Johnson?s official return to his Senate office.

As for how Johnson is doing, The Argus Leader reports that Barbara Johnson calls her husband's recovery "miraculous" and that Bob Woodruff noticed a "vast improvement" just between July and August.

"I saw a gigantic increase in speed," he said. "Speech was quicker. He was better walking on the floor, walking up stairs. Two weeks ago, he was able to walk down stairs."

Good news all. Anyone planning to go to the 'Thank You South Dakota Event' today? We'll look forward to some on the ground reports and can't wait to have Johnson back in the senate when congress returns from recess next week.

[editor's note, by Todd Beeton] I deleted reference to Gov. Rounds's potential candidacy against Johnson. The Racetracker wiki cites a Chris Cillizza piece that states "Gov. Mike Rounds (R) is the party's strongest candidate but would likely run only if Johnson decides to retire."

Update [2007-8-28 15:58:10 by Todd Beeton]: You can watch the Sioux Falls event at WelcomeBackTim.com and sign a welcome back card for Senator Johnson HERE (h/t mcjoan.)