According to the latest report from the AP, Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) did not suffer a stroke or a heart attack.
Johnson, who will 60 on Dec. 28, became disoriented during a conference call with reporters at midday Wednesday, stuttering in response to a question. He was taken to George Washington University Hospital, where doctors were evaluating his condition.
My thoughts and prayers are with Senator Johnson and his family.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
…As every Democrat in America holds their breath
Squeaky:
I’ll pray for you tonight. You obviously have issues. I’m holding my breath because I don’t want the guy to die. Why? Because he’s a good person! Please don’t try to politicize this.
Dannyboy, the *fact* is that how this turns out could have very serious implications in the Senate.
Vivian, perhaps you may be able to answer this question which I haven’t been able to find the answer to. I was wondering if in the event SD’s governor had to appoint a replacement for Johnson, would there be a “special” election held, or would the appointed Senator serve out the remainder of the term (which I bleieve ends in 2010)??
Terry – the answer is in the story linked above:
Ahh, missed that, so Johnson’s term is up in 2008, and the replacement would serve until then…
Thanks.
I’d rather have a Democrat like Johnson than a Republican like Chafee anyday.
Johnson had surgery overnight.
According to South Dakota election law, the governor must fill congressional vacancies by special election within 90 days, or by general election if there’s one coming up in less than 6 months. The Post has it wrong.
The Washington Post radio this morning reported that the surgery last night went well. Whenever you’re dealing with a surgery that has to take place immediately, however, you know that it’s something serious.
For his sake, let’s hope that it doesn’t get to the point where Johnson wouldn’t have to consider resigning.
Since yesterday we’ve learned that Johnson had surgery, but is considered to be in critical condition. So, the Republicans, can stand down their “vulture watch” for the time being! There are no rules requiring a Senator to resign for health reasons – i.e. Strom Thurman with his Alzheimer’s and urine/feces dribbling from his diapers and soiling the Senate chamber. It only mattered that he could cast his vote… Another incapacitated Senator voted by pointing to his eye to indicate his “aye” vote. So, at this point, Republicans will have to wait it out.