Replies

A whole host of rotten thoughts are in my head surrounding Sen. Johnson. Not because this tragedy has befallen him, but for what the Dims can do, and just dare us to malign a handicapped senator.

I don't know the political make-up of S. Dakota, whether red or blue, but, if a senator becomes unable to perform in his office ... isn't it then up to the governor to appoint a senator to replace him, and isn't it usually the party of the governor?

When is Sen. Johnson's term up?

I'll go and try to answer my own questions, but FreepeRs are usually quicker and more exact than I.

I have known a lot of people w/hemiplegia. One can lose motor function while retaining intellectual and cognitive function.Relearning speech is very possible w/today’s rehab techniques.

Anyone can have a cerebral incident from a variety of causes. No one should imply that anyone who is physically handicapped is also cognitively handicapped. Aphasia does not imply cognitive dysfunction, either. One can hear and comprehend while being physically incapable of speaking, speaking clearly or speaking without a distinctive tone that can accompany damage to the speech centers.

Senator Johnson is likely now extremely aware of how people may react to his personal presentation. I really hope Republicans are kind and understanding. Again: this can happen to anyone, at any time and until it does happen to you or to someone you know, few people truly understand what is going on physically with the affected individual.

South Dakota seems to prefer Republicans for POTUS and its governor (I can't remember the last Dem governor and I don't believe McGovern carried his home state in '72). If you look at the 2004 election map of the state it is basically all red with the (generalized) exceptions being college towns and Indian reservations.

The congressional and senators seem to be a bit more fluid- but Daschle and Johnson are very familiar faces. The state's agricultural history seems to allow some traction for Dems to both produce and bring home pork. I believe Johnson will face re-election in 2008 and will (likely) face a formidable challenger in Governor Mike Rounds. Johnson narrowly defeated John Thune (524 votes) to keep his seat. Of course, Thune went on to defeat Daschle two years later. Barring the fatal traffic accident that he was responsible for, Bill Janklow (R) would undoubtedly be the state's rep instead of Stephanie Herseth (D).

I could just be missing it (I try to avoid the main daily) but there just doesn't seem to be much info put out on Johnson. As far as appointing a replacement- I don't know disabled he actually is and it would be bad form for Governor Rounds to pick a replacement and then (likely) run for the seat himself a year later.