Politics,  Tim Johnson

Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson Remains in Critical Condition

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AP: Johnson Remains in Critical Condition

Sen. Tim Johnson turned 60 on Thursday, two weeks after emergency surgery to repair a brain hemorrhage that has left him in critical condition.

Julianne Fisher, a spokeswoman for the South Dakota Democrat, said Johnson won’t be present in the first days of the new Congress next week but is continuing to improve. She said he is responsive to directions from his wife but has not yet spoken.

It’s too early to tell how long recovery will take, Fisher said.

In a statement Thursday, Johnson’s doctors said he remains in intensive care at George Washington University Hospital. They have released few new details about Johnson’s condition and prognosis since the days after the Dec. 13 surgery to stop bleeding in his brain.

Dr. Vivek Deshmukh, head of Johnson’s surgical team, said in a statement that the South Dakota senator’s overall condition has improved and he is gradually being weaned off sedation to help his brain heal.

It is obvious that Senator Johnson will not participate in the reorganization of the Senate and without him voting the Democrats are in the minority – 48 Democrats, 49 Republicans and 2 Independents. No party has a majority of the Senate which is 51.

So, what kind of deal is looming?

Will it be the 2001 deal (brokered by Daschle and Lott)?

Or will the Democrats have the audacity to force a majority with a Senator who cannot function or even speak? Moreover, Senator Johnson may never enter the Senate again.

Stay tuned……

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Previous:

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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4 Comments

  • Flap

    Brian guess you don’t know what a majority is:

    49 GOP 48 Dems = GOP Majority

    There are two independents. If they vote Dem then Dems have 50 and GOP has 49.

    Get it?

    A majority of a 100 member Senate is 51.

    Frankly, I hope the Dims do not power share but when the Senate reverts to 50-50 with Vice President Cheney breaking the tie there will be no power sharing with the Dims. The GOP will replace all Committee Chairman and reconstitute the committees.

    What goes around comes around as they say.

  • Brian Dennert

    50/99 is a majority. And the two independent senators are Lieberman and Sanders ( who has always voted with the Democrats).

    So, unless Johnson is replaced, nothing will change.

    When the senate reverts to 50-50? Are you hoping Senator Johnson doesn’t return to duty?

  • Flap

    Brian 50/100 is not a majority. It is a tie.

    From my understanding of Senator Johnson’s condition, he may not make it back or be able to resume his full duties as a senator.

    I understand he cannot comprehend or talk as of yet.

    He is up for re-election in 2008.

    There are a number of older Senators. The Senate majority may indeed change a few times in the next two years.

    As I said before, the Democrats will make their bed but don’t come crawling back to the GOP when they have the minority or a tie and want to power share. It won’t ever happen again.