otterinbham 0 Posted December 13, 2006 Share Posted December 13, 2006 Not to be ghoulish, because I really hope this guy is okay. But can you imagine the uproar that will take place if this guy cannot serve his term? The Governor of South Dakota is a Republican. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson (news, bio, voting record), Democrat of South Dakota, had an apparent stroke on Wednesday at his office in Washington and has been hospitalized, NBC News reported. ADVERTISEMENT The condition of the 59-year-old Johnson was unknown, the network said. When the 110th Congress convenes on January 4, there will be 49 Democrats in the Senate, 49 Republicans and two independents. But the two independents will align themselves with the Democrats, giving them majority control of the Senate. South Dakota's governor, Michael Rounds, who would appoint any successor if there is a vacancy, is a Republican. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CCTAU 3,333 Posted December 14, 2006 Share Posted December 14, 2006 By MARY CLARE JALONICK, Associated Press Writer 22 minutes ago WASHINGTON - Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson (news, bio, voting record) of South Dakota was hospitalized after becoming disoriented Wednesday, weeks before his party is to take control of the Senate by a one-vote margin. ADVERTISEMENT Johnson, who turns 60 on Dec. 28, was admitted to George Washington University Hospital with an undiagnosed illness, said a spokeswoman, Julianne Fisher. She said, however, the senator did not suffer a stroke or heart attack. His office had said earlier it was a possible stroke. Fisher said Johnson would undergo further tests at the hospital Wednesday night. She said his office did not plan any more updates on his condition until Thursday. Democrats won a 51-49 majority in the November election. South Dakota's Republican governor, Mike Rounds, would appoint a replacement to serve until the 2008 election should Johnson die or resign. Johnson became disoriented during a conference call with reporters at midday Wednesday, stuttering in response to a question. Before he ended the call, Johnson appeared to recover and asked if there were any additional questions. Fisher said he then walked back to his Capitol office but appeared to not be feeling well. The Capitol physician came to his office and examined him, and it was decided he should go to the hospital. He was taken to the hospital by ambulance around noon, Fisher said. "It was caught very early," she said. In its earlier statement, Johnson's office had said he had suffered a possible stroke and was "undergoing a comprehensive evaluation by the stroke team." Democratic Senate leader Harry Reid of Nevada went to the hospital to check on Johnson. He called Johnson a "dear friend to me and to all of us here in the Senate." The White House also issued a statement wishing him a speedy recovery. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Senator Johnson and his family," said spokesman Alex Conant. If the Senate is split 50-50, the vice president breaks ties. That is Republican Dick Cheney at present. Johnson is up for re-election in 2008. South Dakota Secretary of State Chris Nelson said there are no special restrictions on such an appointment by the governor and a replacement would not have to be from the same political party. Johnson, a centrist Democrat, was first elected to the Senate in 1996 and has been one of the more reserved members of the chamber, rarely taking center stage at news conferences. He served in the House for 10 years from 1987 to 1997. His focus has been on committee assignments important to his state's interests  Indian Affairs and Energy and Natural Resources  as well as a spot on Appropriations. The latter allows him to direct funds to South Dakota. Johnson narrowly defeated Republican John Thune in his 2002 re-election bid. Thune defeated Sen. Tom Daschle, the former Senate Democratic leader, two years later. Johnson has worked as a lawyer and county prosecutor and served several years in the 1970s and 1980s in the South Dakota state Legislature. The senator underwent prostate cancer treatment in 2004, and subsequent tests have shown him to be clear of the disease. His wife, Barb, is a breast cancer survivor. The couple have three adult children. In response to one reporter's question on the conference call Wednesday, Johnson said he was most looking forward to spending the holidays with his family and grandchildren. Johnson is the second senator to become ill after the Nov. 7 election. Wyoming Sen. Craig Thomas (news, bio, voting record), a Republican, was diagnosed with leukemia on Election Day. He is back at work. I can see the new republican mantra...taking back the Senate....one heart at a time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
otterinbham 0 Posted December 14, 2006 Author Share Posted December 14, 2006 Yep. Then we'll see a bunch more strokes in newsrooms across America. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexasTiger 12,961 Posted December 14, 2006 Share Posted December 14, 2006 FYI, his son served in Iraq and Afghanistan and is now an Army recruiter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AURaptor 1,125 Posted December 14, 2006 Share Posted December 14, 2006 But can you imagine the uproar that will take place if this guy cannot serve his term? The Governor of South Dakota is a Republican. Exact same thing happened here in GA, when Sen Paul Coverdale( R ) passed away. Gov. Roy Barnes, Democrat, filled the spot with another Democrat. Zell Miller. Pretty sure the balance of power wasn't hinging on 1 senate seat, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LegalEagle 22 Posted December 14, 2006 Share Posted December 14, 2006 They can't determine what condition he has. It is not a stroke and not a heart attack. Polonium 210? j/k Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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