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.
Went to the Swift Boat Vets for Truth website last evening in the hopes of making a donation. The website said they are no longer accepting donations. They are donating to vets' families so I hope that someone knows how we can contribute to their cause.
"Frau Hitlery?"
Fraud!
Well, actually, my daughter is almost two now. So, she and my wife are far from fine :)
All kidding aside, thanks you.
The SD governor is Republican. Tim Russert was all over this on Today Show.
I hope he recovers too, but there's nothing ghoulish or tacky about speculating over replacements. No one, or nearly no one (Washington, Lincoln) is indispensable. Politics is warfare by other means and the dems stole the seat he currently occupies from the other current SD Senator, John Thune.
Late reporting precincts from Indian reservations miraculously provided just the margin needed.
Folks
It has been my observation that wishing for the death of American elected officials is really the practice of DU members...not us..
We dont do that sort of thing.
"It's not classy...It's stupid! The Dems would not do that for Republicans!!"
That's essentially my point. Classy doesn't count anymore. Ray Nagin's still the mayor, and William Jefferson kept his seat. Murtha is still in the House, and Hillary is a prohibitive favorite for President.
People aren't interested in classy anymore. It doesn't sell.
No, actually, you are wrong on that too. They did not 'share' chairmanships. Never happend. During the brief period when the Senate was 50/50, the Committees were split evenly, but the chairman was Republican. After the 2002 elections, the Republicans had an edge in numbers on the Committees.
They also voted on no Supreme Court judges before the 2004 election.
I like your plan, but I'm not sure if Rounds would beat Herseth. I agree he'd be favored against Johnson, but Johnson is a boring old man, not a beautiful young hotshot like Herseth. Also, Herseth's voting record is much smaller, and much less liberal, then Johnson's.
I'm not saying it's impossible, just that it's far from a sure thing. I'd say it's even money at best.
I believe Joe Biden had this same problem in the late 80's.
Hope that Johnsons family and Senator Johnson the best wishes in recovery.
Is this a hairplugs-related problem?
I know nothing of the condition Johnson suffered from, but it doesn't sound like a full-out stroke or anyerism (sp?). God be with him and his family.
Johnson's replacement, if it comes to that, would be up for reelection in 2008, but only because that's when Johnson's current term ends.
Plus, the position would be up for grabs either (depending on which talking head you listen to) within a special election in 90 days, or in the next General Election - 2008.
Prayers to him and his family.
South Dakota Codified Laws
12-11-5. Special election to fill senate vacancy. The special election to fill the vacancy of a senator shall be held at the same time as the next general election. The general election laws shall apply unless inconsistent with this chapter.
Source: SL 1979, ch 99, § 2.
The US Constitutional difference between replacement of a House member & replacement of a Senator is that a special election must be held in the case of a House member, but is left to the legislature of the state to determine how to replace in the case of a Senator.
Harry Reid announced that he is now in favor of life support.... at least for two years.....
"Mr Smith Goes To Washington"
Joe Biden's hair was restored by the controversial "testicular weave."
This is a horrible thing to happen to anyone. I hope Mr. Johnson makes a fast and complete recovery.
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