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Senate switch back to the GOP?
Not a good way for it to happen, if it does.
Sen. Tim Johnson Suffers Possible Stroke
By Chris Cillizza
washingtonpost.com Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 13, 2006; 5:16 PM
Sen. Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) suffered a "possible stroke" today, and the prognosis for his recovery remains unknown, according to his office.
Johnson was taken to George Washington Hospital this afternoon after feeling ill this morning, according to a statement from his office. "At this stage, he is undergoing a comprehensive evaluation by the stroke team," the statement said. "Further details will be forthcoming when more is known."
Earlier today the senator had been on a telephone call with reporters when he became disoriented and began stuttering in response to a question, the Associated Press reported. He seemed to recover, asking if there were any additional questions before ending the call.
Should Johnson be unable to serve when the 110th Congress convenes in January, it could mean a 50-50 split in the Senate. Gov. Mike Rounds (R) would be tasked with appointing a successor to Johnson -- presumably a Republican. That could effectively put the Senate, which is slated to switch to Democratic control in January, in Republican hands because Vice President Cheney would cast the tie-breaking vote.
However, in modern history the Senate has never declared a seat vacant as a result of a senator's physical condition.
Rounds issued a statement saying, "Our prayers are with Tim, Barbara and their family. We are hopeful of good news for our friend and colleague."
Johnson was elected to the Senate in 1996 when he defeated Sen. Larry Pressler (R). He won an extremely competitive race six years later against then Rep. John Thune (R), who he defeated by 524 votes. Johnson is up for reelection to a third term in 2008.
By Chris Cillizza
washingtonpost.com Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 13, 2006; 5:16 PM
Sen. Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) suffered a "possible stroke" today, and the prognosis for his recovery remains unknown, according to his office.
Johnson was taken to George Washington Hospital this afternoon after feeling ill this morning, according to a statement from his office. "At this stage, he is undergoing a comprehensive evaluation by the stroke team," the statement said. "Further details will be forthcoming when more is known."
Earlier today the senator had been on a telephone call with reporters when he became disoriented and began stuttering in response to a question, the Associated Press reported. He seemed to recover, asking if there were any additional questions before ending the call.
Should Johnson be unable to serve when the 110th Congress convenes in January, it could mean a 50-50 split in the Senate. Gov. Mike Rounds (R) would be tasked with appointing a successor to Johnson -- presumably a Republican. That could effectively put the Senate, which is slated to switch to Democratic control in January, in Republican hands because Vice President Cheney would cast the tie-breaking vote.
However, in modern history the Senate has never declared a seat vacant as a result of a senator's physical condition.
Rounds issued a statement saying, "Our prayers are with Tim, Barbara and their family. We are hopeful of good news for our friend and colleague."
Johnson was elected to the Senate in 1996 when he defeated Sen. Larry Pressler (R). He won an extremely competitive race six years later against then Rep. John Thune (R), who he defeated by 524 votes. Johnson is up for reelection to a third term in 2008.
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