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.
Oh boy, not good!
Here's hoping for a speedy recovery.
12-11-1. Special election to fill congressional vacancy--Time of election of representative. If a vacancy occurs in the office of a senator or representative in the United States Congress it shall be the duty of the Governor within ten days of the occurrence, to issue a proclamation setting the date of and calling for a special election for the purpose of filling such vacancy. If either a primary or general election is to be held within six months, an election to fill a vacancy in the office of representative in the United States Congress shall be held in conjunction with that election, otherwise the election shall be held not less than eighty nor more than ninety days after the vacancy occurs.
Shep Smith on Fox reports Spokesman for Senator says no Stroke
or Heart attack! No details on what IS wrong with the Senator.
Local South Dakota TV stations are reporting that Sen. Johnson did not have a stroke or heart attack.
Well, that is good!
Is being unable to attend any sessions a vacancy. What about a coma?
Well, that is good and bad seeing they don't know what is wrong with him. Obviously something is!
Flu? Vertigo? Tumor? It would seem that any of the above could cause "stroke-like" symptoms. Hopefully it's something relatively innocuous.
Taco Bell?
I'm leaning towards the interpretation that Senate special elections are at the next general election in 2008.
This is about two potential Supreme Court nominations between now and 2008, if rumors are true that one justice has a grave illness. We can't wait until 2008.
-PJ
Who cares at this point about bipartisanship? Would a democrat show it? Noooooo. I pray he gets well, however. Strokes are not nice.
I believe you are right. I do know for a fact that after Preston Brooks beat to a pulp Charles Sumner in May of 1856 Sumner's seat remained empty for three years (he was reelected in the interim) as a symbol of the pro-slavery's advocates "viciousness".
South Dakota law only references death or resignation. If he were incapacitated, I am certain the Dems would file suit if the Governor tried to name a replacement.
I had the same thought.
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