South Dakota Sen. Johnson opens possibility he won't run

PIERRE, S.D. – Sen. Tim Johnson of South Dakota is leaving open the possibility he will not seek re-election in 2014.

After former Republican Gov. Mike Rounds said last week he would challenge the Democratic incumbent, Johnson responded with a statement saying he intended to put together a winning campaign for a fourth term.

But in a telephone press conference with South Dakota reporters on Wednesday, Johnson says he meant he would run a strong campaign if he runs again.

The 65-year-old senator says he will announce sometime next year whether he will run.

Johnson says his health is not a factor. He had surgery six years ago for bleeding in his brain that slowed his speech.