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.
It would show a great deal of bipartisanship if he would appoint a democrat and not tip the balance of power as a result of a horrible tragedy.
Bump and prayers.
May God bless him and help him to recover.
After today's presser and this news - Carl Levin is heading to a local union hole for three boilermakers and Hill has just kicked the hell out of her cat.
MY prayers go out to Sen Johnson for a full and speedy recovery, and to his family and friends for the strength to help Tim make it through this tough time.
--I believe Johnson is the only Senator to have a child (son) in the armed services--
good republican governor
I'm sure all the DUmmies are thinking this is some Rovian plot.
God Bless Him! I hope they got him in time to provide treatment to mitigate some of the damage.
I add my prayers too for his recovery.
I never visit dailykos or DU or those places, but I would love to know what their reactions have been to Dick Cheney's heart problems, for example? wonder if they wised the VEEP a speedy recovery when he's been hospitalized?
Shirley, you jest.
Prayers going out for Sen. Johnson and his family.
I don't recall Johnson being that old. I hope it is a minor stroke.
I add my prayers too for his recovery.
I never visit dailykos or DU or those places, but I would love to know what their reactions have been to Dick Cheney's heart problems, for example? wonder if they wished the VEEP a speedy recovery when he's been hospitalized?
I like to believe that everything happens for a reason - fate guides our hands in unusual ways.
Sen. Johnson is a pretty decent guy for a Dem. He is well-respected in the state. Prayers for his complete recovery.
That said, I've never voted for him.
Frankly, that would be a more enlightened decision than deciding to remain a cog in Harry Reid's machine.
Prayers for his recovery. He is a decent man who happens to be a democrat.
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