Democrat senator suffers possible stroke

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Democrat senator suffers possible stroke
Balance of power hangs in balance with future of Tim Johnson

U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., is reportedly hospitalized after suffering a possible stroke today in Washington, D.C.

"At this stage, he is undergoing a comprehensive evaluation by the stroke team," a statement issued by his office read.

During a midday conference call with reporters, Johnson reportedly became disoriented, and stuttered while answering a question. The Associated Press says, "He appeared to recover, asking if there were any additional questions before ending the call."

Julianne Fisher, Johnson's spokeswoman, said the senator walked back to his office at the Capitol, but appeared to be feeling ill. He was examined by the Capitol physician, who decided the lawmaker needed to go to the hospital. An ambulance transported Johnson to George Washington University Hospital around noon.

Broadcast reports say the condition of the 59-year-old Democrat is unknown.

Johnson was slated to begin the new Senate session Jan. 4, with 49 Democrats, 49 Republicans, and two independents, so the health of Johnson, or any member of the upper chamber, is of concern. The independents have said they'll align themselves with the Democrats, thus giving that party control.

South Dakota Gov. Michael Rounds, a Republican, would appoint any successor if there is a vacancy, and it could change the balance of power in the Senate should a member of the GOP replace Johnson.

"Let's just keep him in our prayers and hope that he's going to be all right," former House Speaker Tom DeLay told host Neal Cavuto on the Fox News Channel.

Asked about why a senator's health is getting the scrutiny it does, DeLay said: "Because this town is so eat-up with power. That's all they think about. It doesn't matter [the subject]. You go and ask somebody for a cup of coffee, they question why you asked. There must be an ulterior motive to you asking somebdoy for a cup of coffee in this town. It's a pretty mean town."

Johnson, who turns 60 Dec. 28, had surgery for prostate cancer in 2004, and is up for re-election in 2008.

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Sen. Johnson in critical condition 
Underwent emergency brain surgery late last night

Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson was in critical condition Thursday after late-night brain surgery, creating political drama about which party will control the Senate next month if he is unable to continue in office.

Johnson suffered from bleeding in the brain caused by a congenital arteriovenous malformation, the U.S. Capitol physician said, describing the surgery as successful. The condition, present at birth, causes tangled blood vessels.

"The senator is recovering without complication," the physician, Adm. John Eisold, said. "It is premature to determine whether further surgery will be required or to assess any long-term prognosis."

Eisold said doctors had to drain the blood that had accumulated in Johnson's brain and stop continued bleeding.

Johnson's condition, also known as AVM, causes arteries and veins to grow abnormally large and become tangled

Doctors usually repair AVMs through surgery -- either an opening into the brain or through catheters with minimally invasive surgery.  How much bleeding occurs and how much damage it causes determine a person's long term prospects.

The senator's wife, Barbara Johnson, said the family "is encouraged and optimistic."

Political ramifications
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 were forced to relinquish his seat, a replacement would be named by South Dakota’s GOP Gov. Mike Rounds.

A Republican appointee would create a 50-50 tie, and allow the GOP to retain Senate control.

Symptoms caught early
Johnson became disoriented during a conference call with reporters, stuttering in response to a question.

Before he ended the call, Johnson appeared to recover and asked whether 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.

“It was caught very early,” she said.

White House wishes him well
Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid of Nevada went to the hospital to check on Johnson. He called Johnson a “dear friend to me and to all of us here in the Senate.”

The White House also issued a statement wishing him a speedy recovery. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Senator Johnson and his family,” said spokesman Alex Conant.

If the Senate is split 50-50, the vice president breaks ties. That is Republican Dick Cheney at present. Johnson is up for re-election in 2008.

South Dakota Secretary of State Chris Nelson said there were no special restrictions on such an appointment by the governor and a replacement would not have to be from the same political party.

Johnson, a centrist Democrat, was first elected to the Senate in 1996 after serving 10 years in the House. He narrowly defeated Republican John Thune in his 2002 re-election bid. Thune defeated Sen. Tom Daschle, the former Senate Democratic leader, two years later.

Johnson underwent prostate cancer treatment in 2004, and subsequent tests have shown him to be clear of the disease.

Johnson is the second senator to become ill after the Nov. 7 election. Wyoming Sen. Craig Thomas, a Republican, was diagnosed with leukemia on Election Day. He is back at work.

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My prayers are with the Senator.