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.
That can happen only if Johnson dies before the session begins.
He wouldn't resign or be expelled until after the organization votes.
Even if he is unable to attend and vote he is still one of the Senators which makes it a 50-49 vote in the Dems' favor.
"Yes, bipartisanship, and stupidity. Do you think a Dem would do such a nutty thing? It's one thing to make a meaningless political gesture, but this is about political power, and who will be sitting on the Supreme Court, among many other things."
That is also the main difference between us and them. We have class. Its also the reason why someone like Ghinsberg will get near unanimous support in the senate during her confirmation and Roberts wouldnt. Just because they are scum does not mean we should be.
"Chances are he would appoint a conservative Democrat - the Governor is a professional politician, and wouldn't ruin his career over this."
Tell that to ex. king rat Roy Barnes (D-GA), who appointed a democrat to replace republican Paul Coverdell after his death in 2000 or 2001.
Geesh.........
.
CLASS doesn't matter during WAR. WIN or LOSE, appeasers always LOSE.
God speaks, the earth melts.
"Chances are he would appoint a conservative Democrat - the Governor is a professional politician, and wouldn't ruin his career over this."
I doubt it seriously.
South Dakota is a very Republican state.
Your assumption here is that Johnson wouldn't be removed because of incapacitation, leaving SD with in effect, 1 senator. I highly doubt that would stand for very long.
What are you smoking?
If memory serves, it would be a traditional congressional protocol, if it came to that. A pubbie governor would typically appoint a pubbie replacement and vice versa. I believe there's plenty of precedent, and would be considered to be expected .. not a scummy action.
Am I right, experts?
It's a good thing you told people to behave. Someone might have said something about the fact that if he died the Republican governor would appoint a Republican to replace him swinging control of the Senate back to the Republicans, because VP Cheney would cast the tie breaking vote. That would be just awful for anyone to say.
Prayers go out for his speedy recovery.
I hope it is not too serious. Best wishes to him for a speedy recovery.
Jed Babbin is sitting in for Hugh tonight and they had a statement from some female staffer of Johnson's and she said, "it's looks bad".
NBC’s David Shuster joins Keith. Shuster says Johnson’s health is “not good” and the staff has concerns. Also reports that staff won’t say if Johnson is conscious or not. This is a more dire presentation than I’ve seen or heard elsewhere."
Taco Bell perhaps?
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