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S.D. (AP) – Former U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin has been named as a possible successor to retiring South Dakota Sen. Tim Johnson, but she is declining to say whether she will run for the post.

Herseth Sandlin told The Associated Press on Tuesday that she appreciates the encouragement she’s received but added, “I haven’t focused on the future political opportunities.”

The 66-year-old Johnson announced his retirement to reporters in his hometown of Vermillion. He says he wants to spend more time with his grandchildren and acknowledged that the brain hemorrhage he suffered in 2006 has slowed his speech and movement.

Another possible successor discussed by South Dakota Democrats is Johnson’s son, Brendan Johnson, the state’s U.S. attorney. The senator says he hasn’t “discussed in detail” who might follow him.

Meanwhile, a former U.S. senator whose 22-year congressional career ended in 1996 when he was defeated by Democrat Tim Johnson says Johnson’s decision to continue to serve despite medical difficulties made him a figure of national courage.

Republican Larry Pressler says Johnson served the state with great courage. Pressler says Johnson’s work on the Appropriations Committee made a huge difference for South Dakota on water and education projects and Native American issues.

Despite the party difference, Pressler endorsed Johnson in 2008 in his bid to hold his seat against challenger Joel Dykstra. Pressler says he made the endorsement based on his childhood stuttering memories of how hard it is when you have something to say but can’t easily speak out.