Senator Stricken With Undiagnosed Illness

Senate Balance Of Power Could Shift If Tim Johnson, Democrat, Can't Return To Work

(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.

[nolalou]

I'm not farmiliar with Senator Johnson, but I hope he has a full and speedy recovery.

If for health reasons, he can no longer serve, it would be a shame to have the majority in the sentate be decided this way. While I wouln't count on it, in my opintion , the right thing to do would be for the governor of South Dakota to respect the will of the voters in his state, and appoint another democrat.

[munseym1]

I thought it was a shame when the People elected a Republican majority in the Senate 2001-2003, but the will of the people was not upheld...

[fascistusa]

Does anyone REALLY think Lord Bush would allow for a Power Shift?

Killing a couple of Senators is one way to give full control back to the Republinazis.

We keep getting closer and closer to Civil War...

[agnim]

It would be a joke for a sole governor of one state to be able to change the balance in the US Congress by himself alone.

The meaningful thing to do is to replace a senator according to the party affiliation of the departed one, until the PEOPLE can again decide on THEIR senator.

[jonw1115]

Is it possible to have a special election in this case. I don't think that the decision should be left to one man no matter the circumstances. In all fairness both parties should have a candidate as Johnson may not have been elected purely because of his party affiliation, but because of his stances on certain issues. I am sure he had Republicans that voted for him so it is only fair to run an election that will give everyone a chance to have a say in who replaces him.

[random_radar]

nolalou,

While I can understand your opinion, there is another way to look at it.

The voters elected a Republican governnor. If they wanted someone who would appoint a Democratic replacement, they would have elected a Democrat.

In my opinion, I would respect the will of the people and accept whoever the duly elected governor appoints.

[polyoutsider]

How does a shift to 50/50 affect committee assignments.

[shortestfuse]

I'm sure that all those that say a democRAT should be appointed because it is "the right thing to do" felt that it was totally wrong for Lincoln Chafee to change the balance of power in the Senate by jumping parties after he was elected. HA!

[stephp77]

I grew up in South Dakota and up until 4 years ago I lived there. In my opinion, a majority of South Dakotans jote for a candidate based upon the candidates joting history and the way they feel on a particular topic. In my opinion many people do not vote for someone simply because they are Republican or Democrat. It will be interesting to see what would happen should Johnson not be able to serve the rest of his term.

I do hope that he makes a quick recovery. I remember the health problems both he and his wife have had in the past. This is the absolute last thing his family needs.

[jacrey1]

Shortestfuse, you are a bright one. Leave it a GOP rep to spew incorrect info - see Swiftboats. Chafee never changed parties and never will. He is a republican.

[besscannon-2009]

Wouldn't this be convenient for The Decider? Again, he can use his extra (Cheney) to break every tie. Am I the only one that is struck by the coincidence of this? Amazing how all the cards end up stacked Bush's way. I'll tell you, if we don't soon get rid of this evil person, we are done as a nation. He is methodically taking us down. It honestly sometimes looks deliberate. Is it possible Bush hates us that much for what we did to his dad? Or, is it just a sick drive for absolute power?

[munseym1]

It was Jim Jeffords that switched from Republican to Democrat, which not only overturned the will of the people of his state, but overturned the will of all the people that elected a Republican majority in the Senate from 2001-2003, but got instead Democrat leadership.

[searingtruth]

I am so very heartened to see that almost all of the regular political posters on the CBS forums are withholding their political comments for now. We all know the possible political consequences of Senator Johnson's health, but it also seems we know that none of that matters when a human beings life and well being are at stake.

Thank you my friends.

To Senator Johnson's friends and family I can only say that I am very, very, sorry. I wish and hope for his speedy and full recovery, with all my being.
ST

"I understand. For I have been disappointed also. Humanity, overall, almost always disappoints me. However humans, individually, almost always fill me with hope. This has led me to the conviction that humanity is good; it is our organization and ideologies that have proven pitifully and woefully ineffective and inadequate."
SearingTruth

A Future of the Brave - www.searingtruth.com

[sethweldy]

This is fishy indeed. Big trouble could be brewing!

[on_alert247]

To Besscannon,

Bess, the only evil is perhaps the thoughts in your mind. Instead of offering words of encouragement for the Senator and his family, you go off on some conspiracy thread regarding the president. Honestly Bess, are you really that stupid, filled with malice or just down right hateful?
Now I'm going to go read the latest hate speech from the middle-east Mosques where the Imam's are asking their followers to ignite clouds of fire over America's cities and no, I'm not kidding.

[kaliveotin]

Yo, Mr alert? Your not making sense. Are'nt we fighting for the sheits who are led by the Imams who want to distroy america with fire. Its looking more and more like we're not getting our pro-america democracy. It appears we're getting another "Hamas-led" like government. That's almost as bad as when Ron Regan created a talaban led afghanisthan. An Iranian, Iraqui, Syrian colation will be much, much worse. If you're as young as you sound you'll be around for the war. Make sure your children enlist.

[randalds]

Anyone know where Cheney or Rove was when he had his last meal before getting sick? And I'm only half kidding. I wouldn't put anything, even out and out murder, beyond Cheney and the neocons to hold power. They will kill if they have to, because there's just too much oil money and power at stake.

[aznyron-2009]

To The Honorable Senator Tim Johnson get well soon we need you on the Senate floor come january 07

I wish Tim a speedy recovery.

[jw218389]

Here we go again. Last time Wellstone "had an accident" now it's another Democrat. Why is it that only the Democrats "fall ill" or have "plane crashes?"

The GOP will stop at nothing to maintain their power.

The only occupation more dangerous than Astronaut is Democratic Congressman.

[jw218389]

Better check him for Pollonium...

[blahblahbla5]

It's not just this guy. And don't forget the two democrats that conveniently died in plane crashes recently (Wellstone and that other guy who's name escape me). In these days where one microgram can kill we have to believe that these are just random events because the truth is too bitter of a pill to swallow, that single people and tiny groups can make things like this happen and they do. Maybe we just need some good ol' fashioned profiling to catch these members of the Religious Reich that not only cross the line but don't even recognize the line exists.

[randalds]

Well on_alert247, that certainly makes more sense then an average George W. Bush speech.

jw218389 wrote:

"Here we go again. Last time Wellstone "had an accident" now it's another Democrat. Why is it that only the Democrats "fall ill" or have "plane crashes?""

Not sure, but I do know this.

If you ever go hunting with Cheney - he *will* shoot you in the face - Republican or Democrat. ;-)

[fascistusa]

Republinazis will never give up their Power.


Never.

A couple Senators stand in their way? Not for long.

Notice how FAST the Propoganda Media announced him as out of the picture.

Better stay away for long flights of stairs, small planes, and open windows...

[fairandbal]

My thoughts when i first heard this was 'what poison would make one seem like they had a stroke?'. Republicans will let no one stand in the way of their hold on the government.

[cdlkbwolf]

as Jack Nicholson once said - WE'RE BACK!!!feeling a little nervous libs?? it's only a matter of time ... the vast right wing conspiracy is coming to your neighborhood ...and you better watch out 'cuz we're gonna tap your phone lines and read through your mail... don't worry though, I'm sure you have nothing to hide - right ??

[newsjeff-2009]

Tim Johnson I wish you a speedy recovery, I hope voters out there realize that if Johnson is forced to resign due to health reasons, in this free country we live in, some news people have already pointed out that GOP governor Mike Bounds of South Dakota can appoint a republican senator to replace Tim Johnson, if he has to resign due to health reasons. It is terrible to think that the senate go back to republican control all because of a GOP governor appointing a GOP senator to replace a democrat senator Johnson if he has to resign due to health reasons. Vice President Cheney is going to have a new grandbaby to play with in the future anyway, so he will have his hands full with that, plus casting votes in favor of the GOP senators, and he will then Bush and Cheney will have to change the way they verbally bash homosexual parents when Mary Cheney's baby is born. Voters in S.D. may like this, but a governor should not allowed to appoint a senator, it should be a special election by the people, if I am offending supporters of Bounds I am sorry but senators should be elected not appointed.

[samthetvcat]

I'm not worried about Democrats losing control of the House - it sounds like this Republican governor is fully aware of the fact that thwarting the will of the public by appointing a Republican replacement would earn him the ire of the majority of the nation much like Katherine Harris' moves did in 2000. No politician wants to be seen in that kind of a light - it tends to leave a bad taste in peoples' mouths. I mean I don't know, but it would seem to me like this governor's best move politically would be to remain uninvolved for as long as he can, hence the quote "we are hopeful of good news for our friend and colleague" Yeah, I'll be you are! lol

[bobgee_1999]

Naw, cdlkbwolf, we know you guys are too dumb to conspire on anything. Neo-cons are just goose-stepping fad-followers, terrified of the responsibility that real freedom necessitates. Incidentally, it's a touch loathsome to be chortling over a man's illness, but that's about what we expect from people who are represented by Ann Coulter and Rush Limbaugh.

P.S. Sorry for the big words.

[randalds]

I agree with SamTheTVCat. The people of South Dakota elected a democrat for Senator by a good margin and a republican governor by a very slim margin. It'd be political suicide for him to appoint a republican in Johnson's place. He'd at least never hold another elected office in S.D. Of course stranger things have happend and the republicans might get him to fall on his political sword for the party. Or wish him the best of health and hopes that he doesn't have a stroke too.

[themooniac]

Appointing a Republican to take Johnson's place, political suicide? This guy will have all kinds of republican buddies starting tonight. The Republican party could'nt care less about public opinion. Come on now, do you really think the governor is going to appoint a Dem? If you do you are in denial.

[randalds]

Not at all, unless the Republicans are going to offer him an obvious bribe and that's not likely with all of America watching. the republicans power is fading fast with the voters and even they know that there are more elections coming up in 2008. They need to keep their collective nones clean if they want to have a prayer in 2008 and will desert the president and the higher ups in the party in droves if they smell the stink of one more scandal.

[themooniac]

not with the control of the Senate at stake. Everyone know how short the American electorates' memory is, two years from now this will all be forgotten, swept under the rug. Besides that Giuliani and Mcain are more viable candidtaes for prez in 2008 than Hillary and Obama. Really I hope Al comes back in 2008, I think he's a democratic slam dunk having been elected already. He's vastly more populary accepted now than he was in 2000.

[randalds]

Well I disagree. I don't think it'll happen that way, but we'll see if it comes down to it. personally I hope he makes a complete recovery and makes the whole thing moot.

As for 2008, I would support Gore with no problems, but I'm still hoping for an Edwards/Obama or Obama/Edwards ticket.

[themooniac]

well at least were on the same side of the aisle. I hope the guy recovers as well but it does'nt look good. As far as republican power grabs I've learned to expect the worst. I personally asked Gore two months ago at An Inconvient Truth showing/signing if he was running and he said no but I still expect him to pull a Bobby Kennedy and come out at the last minute in early 08.

[randalds]

we are on the same side indeed. I hope Al runs too, but I have to admit I have my doubts. If Hilliary gets the nomination of course I'll support her, but I'm not supporting her in the primaries because I think she's pandering to the right too much. Hey, how about a Gore/Obama ticket! Now that I could get excited about!

[fascistusa]

America is nowhere near a Free Country.

I'm not surprised to see someone killed for standing in the way of the Republinazis power.

Who did the Anthrax attacks of 2001?

[randalds]

Who did the Anthrax attacks of 2001?

Posted by fascistUSA at 02:30 AM : Dec 14, 2006

If I was a betting man I'd say it was the CIA on orders from Cheney to keep paranoia ramped up even further after 9-11 and to help whip up more fear and more "reasons" to go to war.

[trueprogress]

Didn't some member of congress of VT. change party some years ago, upsetting the balance of power, but that did not upset the media or the Democrats, who came our on top. ( Jumpin Jim Jeffers ?)
Personally, I think they should abide by the wishes of the people when elected, and not by personal choice or party of the govenor, unless he/she wants to appoint me, as I am availble, and will make my own coffee and promise not to hit any of the security guards if they do not recognise me .

Seriously, we all wish the best for the Senator and his family.

[srhos]

In response to the post by RandalDS, Gov. Rounds won reelection in Nov 2006 by about 80,000 votes. Sen. Johnson won reelection in 2002 by about 600. I am not sure if your use of "good margin" and "very slim margin" were assigned properly in this instance.

[missamerica4]

"If I was a betting man I'd say it was the CIA on orders from Cheney to keep paranoia ramped up even further after 9-11 and to help whip up more fear and more "reasons" to go to war. "

Good grief, talk about paranoia!

[barnetteb]

I don't claim to have all the answers, but I am baffled by some of the blogging in the name of Senator Tim Johnson. What does Gore, Obama, and Clinton have to do with the Honorable Tim Johnson's condition? Rather than going off in what are sometimes nothing but asinine tangents and unsubstantiable opinions we need to wish and pray for this man for his very best, but be prepared for the worst. As is, there does not seem to be any conclusions by the medical staff that Senator Johnson will suffer any permanent damage. Let's form our opinions on the solid evidence we presently have. If for some reason Senator Johnson can not continue in his duties, then we must be reminded that the United States Constitution has provided for the proper handling of the circumstance and it is on that basis any replacement is decided.

[missamerica4]

fascistUSA
"I'm not surprised to see someone killed for standing in the way of the Republinazis power."

Do you know hoe many people have died who were "connected" to the Clinton's?
12 of thier Bodyguards
2 reporters who stumbled on some secretinfo.
A controversial case, the initial report of death said, due to falling asleep on railroad track.lol
6 people who had information on the case.
8 "friends"
25 ex employees and associates
They all died in such interesting ways.
found dead on a toilet,jumped to his death from balcony,a couple of plane crashes, another one exploded. Interesting

THE CLINTON BODY-COUNT
http://www.whatreallyhappened.com/RANCHO/POLITICS/BODIES.html

CLINTON'S DEAD FRIENDS
http://www.marianland.com/clinton001.html

Dead Men Don't Talk
or Do They?

[fascistusa]

Paranoia?

Or KNOWING America is a Fascist Nation.

Those FEW of us with the ability to think are wondering...

Will Bush continue with the Fascist take over of America, turn us into a Police State under Martial Law, and the invade Iran.

We're lookign for suttle clues like SENATORS BEING KILLED!!!

[missamerica4]

fascistusa

better call 911

[ectophile-2009]

Has anyone checked the Senator's office for traces of Polonium? I would not put anything past these outlaws in the administration, who have already stolen the presidency, taken away our civil liberties, and started a war with lies. It is disappointing that Katie did not lead off with this story, nor give it a higher priority. My thoughts and wishes for a complete recovery go out to Senator Johnson and his family.

[ectophile-2009]

Has anyone checked the Senator's office for traces of Polonium? I would not put anything past these outlaws in the administration, who have already stolen the presidency, taken away our civil liberties, and started a war with lies. It is disappointing that Katie did not lead off with this story, nor give it a higher priority. My thoughts and wishes for a complete recovery go out to Senator Johnson and his family.

[fascistusa]

missamericafreebush,

Woah. You go to whatreallyhappened.com and you are NOT Paranoid?

You don't realize BOTH parties are corrupt?

That America is a FASCIST NATION?

Do you even read anything past the word Clinton?

SENATORS MYSTERIOUSLY BEING KILLED/INJURED AND THE PROPOGANDA MEDIA ALREADY DECLARING HIM DEAD/ UNABLE TO PERFORM HIS DUTIES SHOULD SCARE THE HELL OUT OF YOU!!!

[barnetteb]

I want to be as kind as I can regarding the use of claims of murder by the Republicans and accusations of the Republicans being fascists. I know a little about World War II and to attach the term fascist to the Bush administration is just downright foolish.

Here we have all the talk about murder during the Clinton administration. Regardless of all these claims you would think the United States Attorney General as appointed by President Clinton and the Justice Department would have keyed in on these deaths and at least have brought one Republican to justice.

If the claims of murder have any truth to them, then President Clinton really must have been incompetent in his appointments.

There are two types of opinions. One is subjective. It requires little thought and usually even less work. Subjective opinions, by and large are the result of a lazy mind.

Then there is the objective opinion. This requires putting aside our prejudices and actually looking at the truth for what it is.

I had a professor in my graduate study that gave me a definition for truth. He said, "Truth is that which is consistent, does not disagree with itself, and corresponds to reality."

The Holy Scriptures are often considered as truth. I am reminded on a verse in the wisdom literature Proverbs 18:2. It says, "A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions." (NIV) That is the "sujective opinion".

By the way, I am not a Republican.