I hope Johnson recovers, and quickly. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. A friend of mine keeled over with a massive stroke this year, and left a wife and two kids completely devastated. To say nothing about its fatal effects on him, of course, too.
Yes, Senate majority status might shift back to the Republicans (with VP Cheney's tiebreaking vote) if Johnson can't continue his duties. But this kind of possibility is far more severe than that. Such grave threats transcend any political consideration.
Godspeed to Tim Johnson.
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http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,236369,00.html
Sen. Johnson Hospitalized for Possible Stroke
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Sen. Tim Johnson was admitted to a D.C. hospital Thursday for a possible stroke.
WASHINGTON South Dakota Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson was admitted Wednesday to George Washington University hospital in Washington, D.C., for symptoms aides say indicate a stroke.
"As this stage, he is undergoing a comprehensive evaluation by the stroke team. Further details will be forthcoming when more is known," said a statement released from his office.
Johnson was admitted after wrapping up a conference call with reporters, in which he became disoriented and stuttered a response to a question. He appeared to recover, asking for any additional questions and then signed off.
Johnson, who turns 60 on Dec. 28, is already a cancer survivor, having had his prostate gland removed in March 2004. According to news reports, he is also deaf in his left ear as a result of surgery to remove a benign tumor from his eardrum after returning from the Vietnam War.
Johnson spokeswoman Julianne Fisher said he had walked back to his Capitol office after the call with reporters but appeared to not be feeling well. The Capitol physician came to his office and examined him, and it decided he needed to go to the hospital.
He was taken by ambulance to George Washington University Hospital around noon, Fisher said.
"It was caught very early," she said.
While the extent of his illness isn't known yet, Washington political watchers are already noting that
a Johnson replacement in the Senate would be made by Republican Gov. Michael Rounds.
South Dakota Secretary of State Chris Nelson said there are no special restrictions on such an appointment and a replacement does not have to be in the same political party.
With the 110th Congress split 49 Democrats, 49 Republicans and two independents that align themselves with the Democrats, majority control of the Senate could shift in such a case.
The White House issued a statement wishing him a speedy recovery.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Senator Johnson and his family," said spokesman Alex Conant.
