Senator Stricken With Undiagnosed Illness

(CBS/AP)  Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson of South Dakota was hospitalized and underwent surgery late 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. However, she said the senator did not suffer a stroke or heart attack. His office had said earlier Johnson may have had a stroke.

There has been no word on the nature of Johnson's surgery, which lasted past midnight, or on his condition.

Sources close to the situation, speaking before the surgery was made public, tell CBS News the situation is definitely not good.

Johnson became disoriented during a call with reporters at midday, stuttering in response to a question. He appeared to recover, asking if there were any additional questions before ending the call.

"Every member of the United States Senate sends our best to him and to his family at this difficult time, and we wish him a full recovery," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who calls Johnson "a dear friend."

Johnson's condition could determine control of the Senate, CBS News correspondent Gloria Borger reports.

Should Johnson be unable to continue to serve, it could halt the scheduled Democratic takeover of the Senate. Democrats won a 51-49 majority in the November election.

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."

Unless Johnson dies, the state of South Dakota is unsure of how to proceed if he's incapacitated. If he dies, however, the governor, Mike Rounds, would appoint a replacement who would serve until the next general election in 2008, Chaggaris explains.

Because Rounds is a Republican, an appointment of this nature could affect the balance of power in the Senate, and thus the entire Congress. Leadership would be given back to the Republicans, because in a split Senate, the deciding vote is given to the vice president.

Rounds released a statement saying, "we are hopeful of good news for our friend and colleague."

Johnson, 59, a fourth-generation South Dakotan, was born in Canton to college professor Van Johnson and homemaker Ruth Johnson. He attended school in Canton, Flandreau and Vermillion and graduated from Vermillion High School in 1965.

He attended the University of South Dakota, where he met the woman he would marry shortly after graduation — Barbara Brooks of Sioux Falls. Johnson went on to earn both a master's degree in public administration and a law degree from USD.

Johnson started a law practice in Vermillion in 1975 and ran for statewide office in 1978. He served four years in the state House of Representatives and another four years in the state Senate before setting his sights on Washington.

He was elected to South Dakota's U.S. House seat in 1986 and served five terms before moving to the U.S. Senate in 1996.

Johnson was most recently re-elected in 2002, narrowly defeating then-Rep. John Thune, and currently serves on the Senate's Appropriations Committee, Budget Committee, Banking Committee, Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the Indian Affairs Committee.

The couple, who still have a home in Vermillion, have two sons and a daughter: Brooks, who served in the U.S. Army in Bosnia, Kosovo, South Korea, Afghanistan and Iraq and is still in the military, posted stateside at the moment; Brendan, a Sioux Falls lawyer; and Kelsey, who works in public service in Washington.

Both Johnson and his wife have battled cancer.

The senator underwent prostate cancer in 2004 and subsequent tests have shown him to be clear of the disease. Barb Johnson is a two-time breast cancer survivor.

[munseym1]

DKOColo, wouldn't the right thing to do in 2001 have been to keep all the committee chairmanships Republican, because the American people elected a Republican majority? Need I remind you that they disregarded the will of the people and flipped the leadership of every single committee, even ones that had nothing to do with Jumpin Jim Jeffords? Where was the outcry then? Your crocodile tears now are duly noted.
What was the right thing to do in Massachusetts in 2004, when the Democrats changed the law to prevent Republican governor Romney from selecting a replacement for "President" Kerry? It seems like the Democrats are only interested in the will of the people when it suits them.

[shortestfuse]

"Has anyone checked the Senator's office for traces of Polonium? I would not put anything past these outlaws in the administration"

Has anybody bothered listening to the news. Sen. Johnson suffers from bleeding in the brain caused by a congenital arteriovenous malformation. Try to blame that on our OUTSTANDING PRESIDENT!

[tucson23]

ebbarn, Communism and Facism are not the same thing. Not appearing to understand the differences between Stalinism, Leninism, Communism, and Facism doesn't do your credibility any good, and neither does quoting the Bible to make "factual" arguments. The Bible is what you call "truthiness."

Fascists are Capitalists, and tend to be radical in the sense that re-distribution of wealth should be minimal. Communists believe distribution of wealth should be forced by thier government. Americans are just about in the middle of this divide: We have Republicans who want to de-regulate and de-tax corporations and the rich, while resisting forces that might reduce corporate profits (environmental laws, minimum wage, etc.)--sounds a little fascism. Then we have Democrats who want to take from the rich and give to the poor--sounds a little like communism.

But both parties are right in the middle, in the big scheme of things. It's just as silly to call Republicans "fascists" as it is to call Democrats "commies." Neither is really true.

[barnetteb]

Re: DKOColo

DKOColo certainly has a point worth seriously considering. I think we are overshooting our target though. We do not know what the outcome of the Honorable Tim Johnson illness will be. Also, it is my understanding that even if Senator Johnson is totally incapacitated, as long as he is alive, he can not be removed from office except under his personal recommendation. For that matter, his staff can continue as is, and conduct the affairs of his office as long as he is alive.

It is my understanding that should Senator Johnson die, then the United States Constitution leaves it up to the individual state as to how a replacement is chosen. In the case of the State of South Dakota, the governor is delegated the responsibility for the appointment of a replacement.

This is where things get sticky. Should the Democrat seat be continued because Senator Johnson is a Democrat? That is a good position.

Another case might be that the governor considers it is to the best interest of the state to appoint a very qualified Republican? Remember, this is not a national issue in its purest form as far as I can see. It is a state issue. Another good position?? Maybe.

Another position might be that Senator Johnson won only by about 600 votes vs the governor winning by an overwhelming majority of around 62%. An overwhelming majority trusted the Republican governor to make decisions he feels is in the best interest of the state. Another good position?? Maybe.

[gmond]

All this crazy commentary because nobody will offer any explanations as to what is medically wrong with the Senator. Doctors don't operate without a clue, so why all the secrecy? Just so it can fuel all this conspiracy ***?

[dkocolo]

OTHER STATES SHOULD PREPARE FOR S.D. "BOYCOTT"

There is a saying many of you may know: "Do the Right Thing, because it's the Right Thing to Do."

Should the senator from South Dakota be rendered unable to fulfill the duties of his ELECTED office, I would encourage governors of other states to make clear ramifications for the state of South Dakota, should their governor even -- think -- of appointing someone from the Republican Party to replace the elected Democrat.

This should be prepared for now...and all citizens of South Dakota who ELECTED Senator Johnson that the right thing to do is replace him with a Democrat. And Democrats, alike, should behave similarily in similar situations.

Because it the Right thing to Do.

Dennis
Colorado

[jn122736]

There are those who are geniuses in their own minds. They place themselves on precariously high pedestals to look down on others merely to come crashing down when their characters are exposed by their degrading and insulting comments.

[barnetteb]

fascistusa

Part 4 of 4

Point 14. Boy, I like this one. If you knew a little history you would not even touch this one. Fascism in the form of Nazism and Communism did not find their roots in the so called "ruling class" or prosperous businesses. They started on the individual working class level. Reference Germany, USSR, Venezuela, etc.

Now I know that this will not change your mind in the least. Let me refer to a little more of the wisdom literature in the Holy Scriptures; Provervs 12:16, "A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult."

[barnetteb]

fascistusa

Part 3 of 4

Point 9. First Amendment. Few presidents have been non-religious and none have be anti-Christian. Most have attached their selves to Christianity.

Point 10. By its very nature government has corruption whether dominated by one party or the other. I can give case in point. Do you want me to embarrass you on this point?

Point 11. I don't have a clue as to what you consider intellectual or art. I know that I have recently been invited to become a member of a debate and discussion group made up of intellectuals. Do you think having a crucifix in urine is art? I really don't know what you mean by art. Admittedly, I am not much in favor of government funded art. I think it belongs to the private sector. Government is incapable of art.

Point 12. Crime is increasing in the United States. You live near one of the worst crime areas in the United States. Do you think crime should not be punished? Actually the legal system right now is incapable of adequately enforcing the law and convicting the criminals, and it is getting progressively worse.

Point 13. Florida and Ohio I assume. No matter how many times the ballets have been checked and rechecked the outcome is no different. The United States Constitution was not written in the 20th century. The electoral college works fine due to its checks and balances. It protects both the rights of the individual as well as give a fair voice to each state, regardless of size.

[barnetteb]

fascistusa

Part 2 of 4
Point 2. French and Indian War, Revolutionary war, War of 1812, Civil War, Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, War in Bosnia, Terrorist attacks (plural), War in Afghanistan, War in Iraq. Were all these under the administration of Republicans? There will always be war. It does not matter who is control of the White House and Congress.

Point 3. Do you even understand the basis of the design of the flag and have you no respect for the men and women who have died protecting its honor.

Point 4. Human rights. Amendment 1, Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion (or non-religion) , Freedom of the press. You are exercising all right now and I don't think the Secret Service is going to knock on your door.

Point 5. Who have attacked the United States and its interests since the Vietnam War? Terrorists, terrorists, terrorists.

Point 6. The military is under the command of civilian control. The generals don't lead the county and you can't prove otherwise.

Point 7. National security? Terrorists, Terrorists, Terrorists.

Point 8. Microsoft is no more protected than any other corporation. As far as software companies are concerned they have been under greater scrutiny and have had to by court order release code to other companies so they too can fairly compete.