Democrats,  Tim Johnson

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

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CNN: Senator’s condition upgraded after brain surgery

Sen. Tim Johnson’s condition has been upgraded from critical to fair, four weeks after he was hospitalized for a brain hemorrhage, his office said Tuesday.

The South Dakota Democrat, who was rushed to the hospital December 13 and underwent emergency surgery, remains in intensive care, said his spokeswoman, Julianne Fisher.

“The senator continues to make progress,” Fisher said. “The next step would be rehabilitation and we hope that would happen within the week.”

Johnson’s office has said that his recovery is expected to take several months.

He underwent surgery to correct a condition called arteriovenous malformation, involving tangled arteries in his brain.

The senator’s doctors said last week that Johnson was improving but still needed a ventilator at night to help him breathe. The ventilator has required a tube to be placed down Johnson’s throat, making it impossible for him to talk.

His long-term prognosis is unclear. He has been responsive to his family and physicians, following commands, squeezing his wife’s hand and understanding speech.

Good news for Senator Johnson. But, still bad news for Senate Democrats and Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Just as I said before, Senator Johnson will not be back to the Senate or a regular political life anytime soon. Many votes will pass with Johnson not being present.
Moroever, the length of his rehabilitation time will affect whether there is ANY chance of Senator Johnson being a viable candidate for re-election in 2008.

Stay tuned…..

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Previous:

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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