Posted on 12/13/2006 12:46:10 PM PST by leadpenny
Edited on 12/13/2006 2:04:33 PM PST by Admin Moderator. [history]
http://capwiz.com/c-span/bio/?id=537&lvl=C&chamber=S
Sen. Johnson suffers possible stroke
12/13/2006, 4:53 p.m. ET
By MARY CLARE JALONICK
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson of South Dakota suffered a possible stroke Wednesday and was taken to a Washington hospital, his office said.
Johnson became disoriented during a call with reporters at midday, stuttering in response to a question. He appeared to recover, asking if there were any additional questions before ending the call.
If he should be unable to continue to serve, it could halt the scheduled Democratic takeover of the Senate. Democrats won a 51-49 majority in the November election. South Dakota's governor, who would appoint any temporary replacement, is a Republican.
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.
Johnson's office released a statement saying he had suffered a possible stroke.
"At this stage, he is undergoing a comprehensive evaluation by the stroke team," the statement read.
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.
If the two-term senator, 59, is unable to serve when the 110th Congress convenes Jan. 4, South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds would appoint a replacement. Johnson had surgery for prostate cancer in 2004. He is up for re-election in 2008.
South Dakota Secretary of State Chris Nelson said there are no special restrictions on such an appointment and a replacement would not have to be from the same political party.
Johnson turns 60 on Dec. 28. The centrist Democrat was 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 has worked as a lawyer and county prosecutor and served several years in the 1970s and 1980s in the South Dakota state Legislature.
Let us hope, he, like your dad can recover, and that his family does well.
Thanks for the correction, that really was one race I can hardly say I paid attention to. I still believe there are to many RINO's in the Senate for the balance of power to actually tip.
Seems like we need at least a 10 member margin just have a chance. IMHO
Do the people of South Dakota have anything to say about this or it just the politicians in Washington???
MY EYES! MY EYES!!! who knew Cindy Sheehan had a twin!
Uhh, actually, the Senate was only in the hands of the D's between the middle of 2001 till early 2002, when we retook the Senate.
Since he appeared to recover so quickly, hopefully it was a TIA rather than a stroke. Thank goodness someone had the sense to get him seen by a doc. Symptoms like that should never be ignored. Get well soon, Senator.
Ewww...
At least she's better looking then Helen Thomas.
I think that in "Governor's appointment" states,the appointee serves until the next even year election.
Moreover, Coverdell died of a hemorrhage before GWB was even elected....
And then he wrote an op-ed in the WSJ whining and complainign about his being defeated and calling the voters stupid.
If so, I'm offering $1,000 for the tape.
Thanks, I hadn't thought to check Drudge. Of course that is an NBC affiliate's take on things.
Stephanie Herseth would be elected is a special election.
what rumor?
are you implying something based on arm location?
Story continues below « http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16191212/
yes, that is a typo found by an old FR poster
True, but it's still true had Coverdell not died, we'd have had a Republican controlled Senate from July (I think) 2001 till January 2003.
First off - prayers for Sen. Johnson and his family for a quick and complete recovery.
If he is not able to continue his duties, here is the likely scenario:
1. Special Election will be held within 90 days (after Rep appointed as replacement over Democrats cries of "foul").
2. Tom Daschle announces his candidacy
3. $10 million flow into his campaign fund
4. Daschle trails throughout election night - Precincts in Western Indian Reservation not yet reporting
5. Western Indian Reservations cast 3x as many votes as registered voters for Daschle
6. Daschle wins
7. Democrats maintain control of Senate
And I am an optomist.
You are a disgusting person, ConservativeDude.
That's just the way I see it.
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