MSNBC and CNN are currently reporting that Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) has suffered a stroke and has been taken to George Washington hospital for observation. There have been no updates regarding his condition. South Dakota is governed by a Republican, Mike Rounds, and both houses of the State Legislature are controlled by Republicans. In the event that Johnson could not fulfill his job duties, Mike Rounds would have the opportunity to appoint a replacement until 2008.
The governor fills vacancies that occur in the state legislature, the state judiciary, and other state constitutional offices. In addition, the Constitution of the United States vests the governor with the power to fill vacanies in South Dakota's seats in the United States Senate.Senator Johnson, you are in my thoughts, and I wish you well. Governor Rounds, in the case of a tragedy, you better be prepared to follow the will of the people by appointing a DEMOCRATIC MEMBER to fill Johnson's seat.
(UPDATE by Rob: A clarification - right now, it's only being reported that he "suffered stroke-like symptoms." No confirmation of a stroke yet.)
UPDATE II: It is being reported that Senator Tim Johnson did NOT have a stroke. Godspeed, Senator. Rest up, and my thoughts are with you and your family.
On my blog, I already have gleeful Republican comments over this. Sick. I'm sure the freepers are having a blast.
WASHINGTON -- Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson of South Dakota was hospitalized Wednesday, weeks before his party was 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.
She said, however, the senator did not suffer a stroke or heart attack. His office had said earlier it was a possible stroke.
"The only way there would be a vacancy to fill is if Johnson died or resigned. Even if incapacitated, he could remain in office, according to the Senate historian's office."
From what I'm seeing and reading, Johnson most likely won't die. This is just big news because Republicans are giddy that they may take back the Senate. All of you disgusting Republicans celebrating this are earning one-way tickets to Hell, and should literally be on your knees praying for forgiveness as we speak. This man has a family, he has friends. He is a human being, and he's in the hospital, and I'm sure his family is very scared.