Sen. Tim Johnson says he will not take part in debates during his re-election campaign.

As the incumbent Democrat seeks to keep his senior Senate seat, Johnson says his speech has not improved to a point that adequately reflects his abilities. Read Johnson's entire press release here.

His announcement comes more than a week after Johnson began airing his first political ads. In his first campaign commercial, Johnson says, "I'm getting better, but my speech needs work."

Johnson's campaign says his record speaks for itself.

"If you look at what Tim's done for the state, look at what he brought back this year, look at all the accomplishments, that's the strongest voice he could deliver," said campaign manager Steve Jarding.

In a phone interview with KSFY, Republican Senate candidate Joel Dykstra says Johnson's decision not to debate could have political repercussions. He said, "I think that we really have to be asking ourselves what there is about participating in a debating society, like the U.S. Senate, in an area, in a role where that is such an important part of what Senators do."

Read Dykstra's full interview here.

Meanwhile, political analyst and South Dakota State University professor emeritus says that while oratory skills seem important, they aren't essential. He said, "If you look at the membership of the U.S. Senate today, there's probably, you know, three or four U.S. Senators that really have a reputation as being great speakers, of great orators."

Burns says Senators need to write well and have the ability to rally others behind legislation.

The campaigning continues this weekend for Dykstra, who says he'll make stops throughout the state. Johnson is in Michigan visiting family.

KSFY's Drew Sandholm can be reached by phone at (605) 373-7372 or by e-mail.