Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) suffers possible stroke(Update Spokesman says NO stroke)

MSNBC

[leadpenny]

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.

[PurpleMan]

Actually, the rules on the governor replacing a vacancy in the Senate vary from state to state.

For instance, I think it's Arizona where a member of the same party must be appointed. Other states differ.

Calling the SD constitutional expert!!

[McGruff]

Here's his bio for reference.

http://johnson.senate.gov/about.html

[July 4th]

That may be what many of us are thinking, but this is not the time nor the place to bring it up. Let's get the facts first; the guy's not dead either.

[HostileTerritory]

Gov. Roy Barnes appointed Zell Miller, in fact, and the result was probably closer to what Coverdell would have hoped for than might have been expected.

[Lx]

He looks young. I hope he got treatment quickly. My mom had a stroke and that is the most important part. She wasn't so lucky.

I hope he comes through OK.

A friend of mine's dad had a major stroke. He was whacked out for the first week and a month later, he seemed 100% normal.

Good luck Senator Johnson.

[dfwgator]

For instance, I think it's Arizona where a member of the same party must be appointed.

Scary thought. If that's the case in SD, we might have to say hello once again to "Senator Daschle."

[MattinNJ]

I pray for his recovery.

That being said, didn't the dems do that to us when a GOP Senator from Georgia (who's name escapes me) passed away at an early age because of an anueryism. Ironically, he was replaced by Zell Miller-who in turned threatened Chrissy Matthews to a duel in '04 (one of the best moments in recent political history)

[McGavin999]

OMG, prayers for his quick recovery and may God give strength to his family.

[ConservativeMind]

I don't want that for anyone.

I hope he gets well. Sure, he hurts the balance for the Republicans, but this is not the way to win.

[muleskinner]

How bad? Prognosis anyone?

[rintense]

Prayers for the Senator and his family.

[ichabod1]

I didn't say it would be a good thing. It would be typical of the crap that comes spewing out of that sewer these days. Been a long time since we've caught a break.

[reagan_fanatic]

My prayers are with Tim at this time. Get better, buddy.

[elc]

And when the new ones are sworn in next month - Webb (D, VA) has a son serving in Iraq.

[leadpenny]

Still nothing further.

[Theresawithanh]

Prayers for a full recovery, and for his family.

[stevio]

You forgot the "/sarcasm" thing, right?

[Quilla]

FYI, Drudge has the following headline:

"REPORTS: Sen. Tim Johnson (D, SD) has had an 'apparent stroke'... Developing... "

[AngryJawa]

Gov. Roy Barnes

Aw, man...I hate it when I type things without engaging my brain.

Thanks for the correction.

[streetpreacher]

You mean the way the Georgia Democrat governor showed bipartisanship and replaced Paul Coverdale with Zell Miller? No thanks. Pray for recovery but play for keeps.