CBS News:
Democrat Sen. Tim Johnson of South Dakota was taken to a Washington hospital Wednesday afternoon after suffering a possible stroke, his office said in a statement.
"As this stage, he is undergoing a comprehensive evaluation by the stroke team. Further details will be forthcoming when more is known," the statement read.
South Dakota state law says that the governor can appoint a replacement when there is a "vacancy," but Secretary of State Chris Nelson tells CBS News political producer Steve Chaggaris that it's unclear whether a seat held by an incapacitated senator would be considered "vacant."
A replacement would be appointed by SD Gov. Mike Rounds, a Republican. Rounds issued a statement saying, "we are hopeful of good news for our friend and colleague."
UPDATE - 12/13/06 6:35pm CST:
Associated Press:
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.
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.
Before he ended the call, Johnson appeared to recover and asked if there were any additional questions.
No report on what the event actually was, but the Capitol physiscian was quoted as saying, "It was caught very early."
UPDATE - 12/14/06 10:08am CST:
Associated Press:
Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson was in critical condition early Thursday, recovering from emergency brain surgery overnight, a hospital official said.
Johnson underwent successful brain surgery for an arteriovenous malformation, a condition which causes arteries and veins to grow abnormally large, Dr. John Eisold, the Capitol physician, said. He added that Johnson is "recovering without complication."
[...]
"It is premature to determine whether further surgery will be required or to assess any long term prognosis."
However, a statement released by Barbara Johnson, the senator's wife, said the "family is encouraged and optimistic."
Tags: news | politics | senate | democrat | republican | South Dakota | Tim Johnson | Mike Rounds
