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South Dakota Senator Hospitalized
 Democrat Sen. Tim Johnson of South Dakota was taken to a Washington hospital this afternoon after suffering a possible stroke, his office said in a statement. 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. "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. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said called Johnson "a dear friend." "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," Reid said. But if 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 the governor is a Republican, an appointment of this nature could affect the balance of power in the Senate, and thus the entire Congress.
Posted by: Fred 2006-12-14 |
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| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=175011 |