Tim Johnson,  Tom Daschle

Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Tim Johnson’s or Tom Daschle’s Return?

Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., (right), seen with his wife, Barbara, in this photo released by his office in March of 2007, has not yet announced any plans for re-election, but fundraising efforts go on while he continues his recovery efforts.

Remember Senator Tim Johnson from South Dakota who had a brain bleed and brain surgery last December?

Johnson was discharged from the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington on April 27. On June 11, 2007, his doctor said that he would be able to resume his full duties in the Senate.

His wife is quoted in the South Dakota press that he will be returning to his Senate duties sometime after the August Senate recess. In fact, he is making so much progress that he will remain in his Washington area home even though his son will add two adopted grandchildren to his family soon.

Now, no one has seen the Senator since his brain hemorrhage last December and he has been absent from the Senate since then. It seems unlikely that his speech therapy is the likely reason that he cannot make a routine trip home to South Dakota from Washington.

Flap has been dubious from the start that Senator Johnson would make more than a token appearance to resume his Senate duties. Fund raising aside, Senator Johnson will probably retire and NOT run for re-election.

The only reason why he has not quit is because the Senate Democrat majority hinges upon his retention in the Senate. South Dakota’s Republican Governor Rounds would more than likely appoint a Republican replacement and tip the Senate majority back to the GOP.

Today, Robert Novak supports Flap’s hypothesis.

Solicitations for a Sept. 12 fund-raising reception in Washington on behalf of ailing Sen. Tim Johnson give the impression he will be present at the event, but in fact there are no such plans.

Sources close to Johnson say he will not decide his schedule until he is back in the Senate, and there is no firm schedule yet for that. Johnson has not been seen publicly since suffering a brain hemorrhage last Dec. 13, but his staff has been raising funds for his re-election campaign in South Dakota. His campaign has $1.75 million cash on hand.

The $1,000-to-$2,300-a-ticket reception will be held at the home of Johnson’s fellow South Dakotan, former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, and his wife, transportation industry lobbyist Linda Daschle, on Foxhall Road millionaire’s row in Washington. It has been speculated that if Johnson cannot run, Daschle could attempt a political comeback.

The South Dakota GOP best be prepared. A crippled and weak Johnson will NOT be running to retain his seat.

Watch for former Senate Majority leader Tom Daschle’s return in 2008.

Linked to Electric Venom 

Previous:

Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Condition Improves

Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senator’s Condition Upgraded From Critical to Fair After Brain Surgery

Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson is Improving But Still Requires Ventilator at Night

Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson Remains in Critical Condition

Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson in Stable Condition After Brain Surgery

Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senate Back to 50-50 Split?

Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson in Critical Condition After Late Night Brain Surgery

Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senator Undergoes Surgery

Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Democrat Spokesman Says Johnson Did Not Suffer Stroke

Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson Hospitalized with Apparent Stroke


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5 Comments

  • Flap

    Brian,

    Thanks for the link to the WaPo story.

    Because of the Jefford’s switcheroo and the hatred of Harry Reid, the GOP would probably attempt a take over should Johnson DIE – but he seems OK and it is doubtful that he will resign.

    But, what if Lieberman switches over?

    Aren’t Senate rule changes accomplished by majority vote and immune from the filibuster?

    And, watch for Daschle……

    • Brian

      Flap , senate rules are creating for a 2 year term at the start of each session. The rules when Jeffords switched are now different. If you think about it, if it was a matter of calling for a vote Republicans could of done it months ago since Johnson not being there makes it 99 senators total they could win the vote ( Promise Lieberman more.)

      This is all my understanding but just like Dick Cheney has his own interpretation of what branch of government he belongs to there could be differing views. But courts would likely reject any case as not in their jurisdiction.

      • Flap

        Brian, you are correct and I believe I wrote about this at the time.

        But, Senate rules can be changed by majority vote and I do not believe can be filibustered so it is out of common decency or fear of reprisal that the GOP did not push the issue.

        The GOP lost the majority and because of Johnson’s misfortune they did not “take over” the Senate.

        Johnson’s seat is listed as safe for the Democrats. However, I think Johnson would be a fool to run for another 6 year term.

        He should take his retirement and chill.

  • Chris

    Holy smokes, now that’s a fish story!

    It’s amazing finding things that should not be where they are. Like my finding my keys in my pocket after a frantic 1/2 an hour of searching for them everywhere else.