South Dakota Democratic Senator Tim Johnson Taken Ill on Capitol Hill
by Pamela LeaveyDemocratic Senator Tim Johnson of South Dakota was hospitalized earlier today for what was reported to be a possible stroke. MSNBC reports that “Johnson, who turns 60 on Dec. 28, was admitted to George Washington University Hospital with an undiagnosed illness, said a spokeswoman, Julianne Fisher.
She said, however, the senator did not suffer a stroke or heart attack. His office had said earlier it was a possible stroke.
Johnson became disoriented during a conference call with reporters at midday Wednesday, stuttering in response to a question. He appeared to recover, asking if there were any additional questions before ending the call.
Fisher said he walked back to his Capitol office after the call with reporters but appeared to not be feeling well. The Capitol physician was called, and Johnson was taken by ambulance to George Washington University Hospital for evaluation.
The specualtion is rampant in the news and the blogosphere about Johnson’s condition and the possibility of him not being able to continue in office.
Democrats won a 51-49 majority in the November election. South Dakota’s Republican governor, Mike Rounds, would appoint a replacement to serve until the 2008 election should Johnson die or resign.
The appointment would last until the next general election — in this case, 2008. Johnson’s term expires that year.
The 17th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution says state legislatures can give their governors the power to appoint someone else to take over, but only in the case of “vacancies.”
What’s a vacancy? Clearly death or resignation, but history suggests not much else. Serious illness doesn’t count.
Under the rules of the Senate, tie votes are settled by the vote of the vice president — currently Republican Dick Cheney — effectively giving control of the Senate to the Republicans.
Best wishes to Senator Johnson for a speedy recovery.
UPDATE: AP News reports that Senator Tim Johnson underwent surgery several hours after being admitted to the hospital with symptoms of what was first thought to be a stroke. The stroke was reported to have been ruled out, and there “was no word on the nature of the surgery, which lasted past midnight, or on Johnson’s condition.”
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Surgery for a stroke? Hmmm… I’m not a doctor, but that sounds strange. Perhaps some sort of tumor? It’s tough to speculate, so let’s just pray for a healthy recovery for him.
In other news, NBC Nightly News reported that in the latest poll they ran for Presidential Dem Candidates: They had Hillary out front with 30 some percent, then Obama, Edwards, then in 4th position was JK; for being this early – not bad. Gives us something to shoot for.
On the GOP side, they had Giuliani out front – let’s be real, that won’t last in the GOPer primaries.
Blue W
Yes, if it was a serious stroke there is a surgery done to un-block carotid artery. A blocked carotid artery can “reduce blood supply to the brain, causing a stroke.”
My mother had the surgery years ago. Recovery is usually good from what I understand. No word if that was it though, still.