Representative Dusty Johnson says he’s going to ask South Dakotans if he should get the coronavirus vaccine as part of an early wave of doses for members of Congress. Johnson, who is 44, says the poll will be binding.
“What do you want me to do?” Johnson says. “I think there will be a fair number of people who want me to model good behavior and want me, like Vice President Pence, to increase confidence in the vaccine by going early. I think there will be others who want me to wait my turn and make sure the most needy have an opportunity to be vaccinated first. I understand both approaches. I’m going to ask South Dakotans what they think the best thing to do is and I’m going to take their guidance.”
Doses are offered to members of congress for the continuity of government and the super-spreader possibility of the nature of their work.
US Senator John Thune, who is 59, says when it’s his turn he will get the COVID vaccine. Thune’s office did not specify if he would get the vaccine early.
US Senator Mike Rounds, who is 66, says he will get the vaccine when it is available. Rounds’ wife Jean has been battling cancer since last year. He says the vaccine will help keep Jean safe.
-Contact SDPB reporter Lee Strubinger by email.
(1/2) Some elected officials, like Vice President Mike Pence, are getting the vaccine early to increase public confidence and model good behavior. Other leaders are waiting, not wanting to go to the front of the line. pic.twitter.com/ObkcU3pqbQ
— Rep. Dusty Johnson (@RepDustyJohnson) December 18, 2020
