Thursday - December 14, 2006

Karl Rove Strikes Again

Sen. Tim Johnson, Democrat, Has Stroke
_{WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Wed Dec 13, 2006 4:20pm ET140}

U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson, Democrat of South Dakota, had an apparent stroke on Wednesday at his office in Washington and has been hospitalized, NBC News reported. The condition of the 59-year-old Johnson was unknown, the network said.

When the 110th Congress convenes on January 4, there will be 49 Democrats in the Senate, 49 Republicans and two independents. But the two independents will align themselves with the Democrats, giving them majority control of the Senate.

South Dakota’s governor, Michael Rounds, who would appoint any successor if there is a vacancy, is a Republican.

UPDATE I:

WASHINGTON (AP) - Wednesday, December 13, 2006 - 7:44PM

Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson of South Dakota was hospitalized after becoming disoriented Wednesday, weeks before his party is to take control of the Senate by a one-vote margin. 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. Fisher said Johnson would undergo further tests at the hospital Wednesday night. She said his office did not plan any more updates on his condition until Thursday.

Johnson became disoriented during a conference call with reporters at midday Wednesday, stuttering in response to a question. Before he ended the call, Johnson appeared to recover and asked if there were any additional questions.

Fisher said he then walked back to his Capitol office but appeared to not be feeling well. The Capitol physician came to his office and examined him, and it was decided he should go to the hospital. He was taken to the hospital by ambulance around noon, Fisher said.

UPDATE II:

WASHINGTON (AP) - Thursday December 14, 2006 7:01 AM GMT

Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson of South Dakota was undergoing surgery early Thursday after being admitted to the hospital with symptoms of a stroke weeks before his party is slated to take control of the Senate by a one-vote margin. There was no word on the nature of the surgery - which began late Wednesday and lasted past midnight - or Johnson’s condition.

Apart from the risk to his health, Johnson’s illness carried political ramifications. Democrats emerged from last month’s elections with a 51-49 Senate majority. If he is forced to relinquish his seat, a replacement would be named by South Dakota’s GOP Gov. Mike Rounds. A Republican appointee would create at 50-50 tie, and allow the GOP to retain Senate control.

Johnson, who turns 60 later this month, was admitted to George Washington University hospital at midday Wednesday after experiencing what his office initially said was a possible stroke. His spokeswoman, Julianne Fisher, later told reporters it had been determined that the senator had suffered neither a stroke nor a heart attack.

But several hours after she spoke, Dr. John Eisold, the Capitol physician, called that into question with a statement of his own. “Senator Tim Johnson was admitted to the George Washington University Hospital today with the symptoms of a stroke. He is currently under the care of physicians at the George Washington University Hospital.’’

Fisher and Eisold both said they did not intend to issue further updates on Johnson’s condition until Thursday. There was no formal announcement of the surgery, which was disclosed by an official who spoke on condition of anonymity, citing the sensitive nature of the subject.

Posted by The Skipper     on 12/14/2006 at 02:30 AM   
Filed Under: • Democrats-Liberals-Moonbat Leftists •  
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