Posted on 12/14/2006 2:59:19 AM PST by NautiNurse
Sen. Tim Johnson, a Democrat from South Dakota, was hospitalized Wednesday after what his office at first called a "possible stroke," leading to concern among Democrats that their new one-vote majority in the Senate could be in danger.
By the end of the day, after what his office called "a comprehensive evaluation by the stroke team" at George Washington University Hospital here, a spokeswoman for Johnson said that he had not suffered a stroke or a heart attack. The spokeswoman, Julianne Fisher, gave no further details about Johnson's medical condition.
His office said that Johnson, who will turn 60 on Dec. 28, became disoriented during a conference call with reporters at midday. He stuttered, then seemed to recover before asking if there were more questions and then ending the call.
He walked back to his office, where he was examined by the Capitol physician, who decided that Johnson should be examined at the hospital. He was taken to the hospital by ambulance around noon.
On Capitol Hill, the news highlighted the fragility of the Democrats' new majority in the Senate. If Johnson's health problems are serious enough that he is not able to serve, his replacement would be named by South Dakota's Republican governor, Mike Rounds. Assuming that Rounds named a Republican, the 51-49 Democratic majority in the new Senate would become a 50-50 split between the two parties, allowing Vice President Dick Cheney to break the tie, effectively giving Republicans control of the chamber.
Sen. Harry Reid, the Democratic leader, rushed to the hospital Wednesday afternoon, his spokesman said, but it was not clear whether Reid had been able to visit with Johnson. Reid's office issued a statement calling Johnson "a dear friend to me and to all of us here in the Senate. Every member of the United States Senate sends our best to him and to his family at this difficult time, and we wish him a full recovery."
Johnson is up for re-election in 2008. His oldest son, Brooks, served in Afghanistan and is serving in Iraq.
Prayers for this U.S. Senator, and his son who continues to bravely fight for our freedom.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." -Manuel II Paleologus
I hope he gets better. With advanced medical technology many people have improved after having a stroke. Dr. Dobson had a pretty bad stroke some years ago and has made a pretty full recovery. I don't want this to be a reason we got the Senate back. I want us to fight for it. Plus, these two years with Democrats in charge will awaken people and help us with the 2008 election. We have many Republican Senators who are up in age too and hope they will stay healthy as well. Can you imagine how horrible it would be if the Senate flips back and forth during the next few years. I swear it seems the average age of the Senate must be 100. sarc.
Just praying that he is ok. I am saddened that even his own party seems more concerned with politics than his personal health. I hope they are being truthful when they say it was not a stroke. That would be great news for him and his family, at this time of year.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." -Manuel II Paleologus
Prayers for his family, any time is horrible for but it is particularly difficult at this time of the year.
We really shouldn't be surprised by MSM and Dems reactions to Johnson's sudden illness (e.g. Wellstone funerally). Yet it is still disturbing to witness.
Fox mentioned he had surgery last night but does not have details of it.
Currently, all reports are veering away from a stroke as the cause of Johnson's illness. Hopefully, we'll have more information shortly.
He is fortunate to have the medical answers today that did not exist widely even 10 years ago.
He very well could be just fine. Prayers for his family, especially his son. It would be very difficult to be so far away during such a time.
You have it exactly right. For the media, it's all about power and the state never the individual.
Deserves emphasis that Johnson is one of precious few in Congress with a son serving active duty in our military. He is currently in Iraq, after completing a tour in Afghanistan.
It's a little disturbing we're not even sure what's wrong with the man and some in the MSM are already digging his grave. I wonder if the conspiracy theorists are active on the Dem blogs.
If a 'Pubbie replaced this senator, one of our North East Rinos would bolt in a heart-beat, and we would be right back where we started. Jumpin' Jim Jeffords Redux.
The MSM have been basking in their glorious victory this past election cycle. Their hand-wringing reaction to Johnson's illness is glaring proof of their liberal position.
One thing I know...if he's still alive the Dems will prop him up in his seat whether he can function or not rather than let an R pick his replacement.
No, I don't think Collins or Snowe would leave. Spector might, but they would have to offer him Judiciary, and I am not sure he would have the nerve to do it.
I'll speculate that he popped an aneurism and they clipped it during surgery.
If the reports of cranial surgery are correct, the two most likely causes would be blood vessel (e.g. aneurysm/AVM) or a tumor.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.