Sen. Tim Johnson (D-SD) may have suffered a stroke...

[Sam Spade]

Actually I read that according to South Dakota law, the Governor appoints a replacement, but only a temporary one, a special election does need to be called later. In which case Daschle or Herseth would most likely be the favorite (especially with the sympathy vote).

But the good news is it sounds as if he's fine, and this won't be needed.

Clearly you need to improve on your reading skills, which I am sure Mankato State University doesn't bother to provide.

An appointment to the Senate in this situation would not be up for election until November 2008.

[Bdub]

My hopes for a full and speedy recovery go out to Senator Johnson...

^^^

[Deano963]

It was reported on Anderson Cooper that according to two Democratic sources who have been to the hospital, that Johnson is (or was by now I guess) in surgery. Hopefully it is for nothing too serious. It was sounding for a while like Johnson had only fainted, but one is not operated on for fainting.

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2006/12/13/231550/92

[JSojourner]

Johnson and his family are in my prayers.

[nini2287]

I wish Sen. Johnson and his family the best of luck.

If I were in Rounds' situation and the country obviously wants a Democratic controlled legislature, I would probably appoint a (moderate) Democrat.

[Sam Spade]

It was reported on Anderson Cooper that according to two Democratic sources who have been to the hospital, that Johnson is (or was by now I guess) in surgery. Hopefully it is for nothing too serious. It was sounding for a while like Johnson had only fainted, but one is not operated on for fainting.

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2006/12/13/231550/92

I suspected earlier this evening when the spokesman said, "It's an undisclosed illness, not a stroke or heart attack", it probably wasn't good for the Senator whatever it was.  As a rule, whenever someone gives an answer like that, it's much worse than indicated.  If it's not that bad, they'll simply tell you what the problem is, not say "undisclosed illness".

Anyway, prayers for the Senator and his family.

[Jake]

Bad strokes are probably the worst thing that can happen to your body, aside from death. Hopefully the Senator suffered something very mild and will recover quickly. God bless.

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

Reports now indicate that it was very likely a Transient Ischemic Attack, basically a hardening of arteries in the brain. TIAs usually don't leave much of an impact but they can lead to a much worse stroke later if untreated, which is why he's under surgery now. In that case, he should be fine.

[Smash255]

Bad strokes are probably the worst thing that can happen to your body, aside from death. Hopefully the Senator suffered something very mild and will recover quickly. God bless.

My grandfather had a severe stroke years back.  Lived for a few more years after it (and actually had another, though milder sroke a few years later), but the 1st one he suffered was pretty severe.  Left him pretty much confined to a wheel chair for the last few years of his life, where he was in and out of the hospital and a nursinghome the last couple years, especially after the 2nd one. 

best of wishes to Sen. Johnson and his family.

[opebo]

life is delicate

it hangs by a thread

Did the gud lord strike him down?

[opebo]

Right-wingers are licking their chops right now.  The only way they can pick up any Democratic seat in the country right now is through death or resignation.

I think Johnson will be fine.

Actually I would like to point out that 'strokes' are pretty easily faked by the medically competent. 

I know if I had been a Democratic Senator in the current situation I would have been absolutely terrified I would be assassinated in this fashion.

I have no doubt it will prove to be much better done than the radiation poisoning in London.

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

Latest report sounds good:

Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson of South Dakota suffered a hemorrhage in the brain caused when a cluster of blood vessels is too close together, said Johnson spokeswoman Julianne Fisher, quoting Adm. John Eisold, attending physician at the U.S. Capitol.

Eisold said Johnson's condition is congenital.

Johnson, 59, was in critical condition Thursday morning following brain surgery at George Washington University Hospital, said David Boyd, in the nursing supervisor's office.

Fisher quoted Eisold as saying: "Subsequent to his admission to George Washington University Hospital yesterday, Senator Tim Johnson was found to have had an intracerebral bleed caused by a congenital arteriovenous malformation.

"He underwent successful surgery to evacuate the blood and stabilize the malformation. The senator is recovering without complication in the critical care unit.

"It is premature to determine whether further surgery will be required or to assess any long term prognosis."

Johnson's wife, Barbara, said in a statement, "The Johnson family is encouraged and optimistic. They are grateful for the prayers and good wishes of friends, supporters and South Dakotans. They are especially grateful for the work of the doctors and all medical personnel and GWU hospital."

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/12/14/thursday/index.html?section=cnn_latest

[RBH]

The latest AP headline is "Senate back to 50-50 with Johnson out"

Vultures.

[Storebought]

I wish Sen. Johnson and his family the best of luck.

If I were in Rounds' situation and the country obviously wants a Democratic controlled legislature, I would probably appoint a (moderate) Democrat.

Do the names Harris Wofford and Zell Miller ring bells for you?

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

He had surgery--critcal condition--brain hemmorage.

[J. J.]

The latest AP headline is "Senate back to 50-50 with Johnson out"

Vultures.

It's common.  When I was on the school board, I maintained a press release in the case of my death.  The last line read "The vacancy created by J______ death will be filled by...."

[J. J.]

He had surgery--critcal condition--brain hemmorage.

That's standard for people that have had brain surgery; they are put on the list as a matter of form.

[RBH]

The latest AP headline is "Senate back to 50-50 with Johnson out"

Vultures.

It's common.  When I was on the school board, I maintained a press release in the case of my death.  The last line read "The vacancy created by J______ death will be filled by...."

Yeah, but you didn't release those press releases every time a member got sick, right?

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

I've now read that in 1988, Joe Biden had a brain aneurysm (which it sounds like it is that Johnson had) and took an 8 month leave of absence from the Senate, obviously recovered fully. He's fine now. Let's hope this is the same deal.

[RBH]

Plus, there's no way that the Senate would pass a resolution to remove Johnson, like the House did with Gladys Spellman in 1981, without some serious problems.

Johnson being removed if he ends up in a coma for a year like Ariel Sharon is a possibility.

[TheresNoMoney]

The latest AP headline is "Senate back to 50-50 with Johnson out"

Vultures.

Obviously, it's the "liberal" media at work again.....they are salivating at the chance for a Republican Senate again. I've been sick to my stomach about the horrendously partisan media coverage (and I'm not only talking about Fox News).

[JSojourner]

The latest AP headline is "Senate back to 50-50 with Johnson out"

Vultures.

Obviously, it's the "liberal" media at work again.....they are salivating at the chance for a Republican Senate again. I've been sick to my stomach about the horrendously partisan medica coverage (and I'm not only talking about Fox News).

The media are about as liberal as John McCain.  @@ 

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

Reports now appear to be good and that he's recovering fairly well. He's responding to his wife's voice and was holding her hand and following directions.

[Swing low, sweet chariot. Comin' for to carry me home.]

Reports now appear to be good and that he's recovering fairly well. He's responding to his wife's voice and was holding her hand and following directions.

"He will join us, or die" 

[Silent Hunter]

I hope he gets better.

What occurred to me is another place this could happen- Hawaii.